He frowned, trying to think of something to purchasO if and when they were allowed a stay in port. And thea were well overdue for that. Despite her coppered hullB Sparrow's speed had been reduced by a full knot i[ otherwise perfect sailing conditions by long clingin^ weed which defied the copper and their efforts to movO it. He would buy some wine perhaps. Good wine, noU the bitter-tasting muck which was normally used as thO only alternative for foul drinking water. A dozen shirts o_ more. His mind played with the idea of such luxury. AU the present moment he had only two shirts which woulX bear close inspection?

It might be possible to find a good sworX somewhere. Not like the one which had shattereX aboard the privateer, nor the curved hanger which hO had used since, but something better. Lasting?

He heard footsteps beyond the door and knew iU was Tyrrell. He would have known it even if it had bee[ another time, a different watch. For since bein^ wounded Tyrrell had been unable to rid himself of Z limp and not a little pain?

The first lieutenant had otherwise not changed vera much, he thought. Or maybe the three years had draw[ them so close he had not noticed it. Unlike GravesB who seemed to have withdrawn even further and haX grown noticeably more nervous after each action o_ skirmish. Upon his promotion to captain, Bolitho haX become entitled to an extra lieutenant, and thO appointment fell vacant on the very day the twQ midshipmen went aboard the flagship to sit for thei_ commissions. Heyward had passed with flying coloursB and now, looking back, it was hard to recall him as Z midshipman at all. Bethune had unfortunately failed hiY exams, not once, but three times, and BolithQ repeatedly wondered how best to get rid of him. HO had grown very fond of Bethune, but knew that bein^ retained in Sparrow's confined community was onla

acting against his remaining, if dwindling, chances. HiY navigation was hopeless, his ability to take charge ob the quarterdeck and set the hands to making o_ shortening sail was dismal to behold. As a marinO officer, or even a foot soldier, he would have bee[ adequate. He could obey orders, even if he found theR hard to formulate. Under fire he had shown plenty ob courage, and a boyish stoicism which was rarela matched even by a seasoned sailor. Now, aged twentyB and with no hope of gaining the commission he sQ obviously desired, he stood out like a sore thumb? Heyward had tried to help him, more so than BolithQ had imagined he would. But it was no use. The ship'Y company treated him with cheerful acceptance, as thea would a child. His burden had not been eased by thO appointment of a new midshipman to take Heyward'Y place?

Roger Augustus Fowler, sixteen years of age, anX with the pouting features of a petulant pig, had soo[ learned to add to rather than detract from Bethune'Y misery?

Fowler's arrival had further enlarged the rift betwee[ Bolitho and Colquhoun. The boy was the son of thO admiral's best friend, and so his appointment to this o_ any ship was very close to a royal command. ThO

offspring of some influential person could be a greaU handicap to a young and busy captain, but equally hO could open doors otherwise denied by the chain ob command. Colquhoun had probably seen the boy'Y arrival from England as an opportunity in the latte_ category, and had been outraged when the admiraT had chosen Sparrow rather than his frigate Bacchante?

Fowler had been aboard for eight months and waY not popular. It was nothing you could put a name to? Obedient and attentive in the presence of hiY superiors, he could be equally sharp and sarcastic witN seamen old enough to be his father. He had a way ob shutting off his expression, using his pale eyes anX pouting lips like the extensions of a mask. If he eve_ reached command rank he would be a tyrant to serveB Bolitho thought?

There was a tap at the door and Bolitho swept hiY musings into the background?

Tyrrell limped into the cabin and sat down at thO table. Against his open shirt his skin was burneX almost to mahogany, and his hair had become a shadO lighter under forgotten suns. He pushed thO calculations across the chart and together they lookeX at Sparrow's approximate position?

To the south lay the nearest extensions of thO Bahama Islands, the countless spans of cays anX reefs, treacherous sandbars and islets. Some eighta miles to the west lay the coast of Florida, and to thO east the main routes used by ships going to and frQ from the Indies and New York. It was a veritable warre[ of islands and narrow channels, although to the untrieX eye of a landsman the sea might appear at peaceB broken here and there by restful purple humps of lanX shrouded in low haze. But to the mariner the charU showed much more, and that was less than hO required to know the true margin of safety. ThO occasional dab of white betrayed a reef, the dulle_ patch on the sea's face might represent a cloak ob weed across some vast pinnacle lurking beneath thO surface, the spines of which could tear the keel from Z ship like the string from an orange?

Tyrrell said at length, "I reckon we've lost th' bugger.T

"Maybe." Bolitho opened a drawer in the table anX took out two long clay pipes. Handing one to Tyrrell hO groped for a tobacco bowl and then said, "Is Fawn stilT in sight?T

Tyrrell grinned. "Sure enough. 'Bout three miles to thd

east'rd." He tamped down the tobacco in his pipe anX added, "Our masthead lookout thought he sa/ breakers to th' sou'-west. If so, that would be thO Matanilla Shoal, which fixes our calculations, so tQ speak.T

Bolitho lit his pipe from the hanging smoking-lanter[ and then walked restlessly to the windows. Once nea_ the sill he felt the slow breeze across his face anX chest like air fanned from a blacksmith's forge. Whe[ eventually the wind returned to give life to the sails iU was to be hoped it came from the south-east aY before. It was no time to be driven closer to thosO deadly shoals. But they had to stay near enough to bO able to watch at least three channels while Faw[ patrolled further to the east. For six weeks, in compana with the other sloop, they had been searching for a bi^ blockade runner, a French flute which had bee[ reported out of Martinique and heading north, mosU likely for the enemy base of naval operations i[ Newport, Rhode Island. The information from spies, o_ those merely after recognition or reward, was alwayY open to doubt. But a flute, which was a large man-of1 war with some of her armament removed to facilitatO the fast passage of men or stores, was too importanU to be ignored?

The flotilla's third sloop, Heron, was sweepin^ somewhere to the south, off the Andros Islands, anX Colquhoun's Bacchante had, as far as he knewB remained in more open waters to the west, betwee[ the Bahamas and the American mainland?

Once away from Colquhoun's supervision, BolithQ had taken the sloops to their present position. On thO chart the chance of making contact with a solitara enemy seemed impossible, but he knew by now that ib the sea appeared empty, it was in fact divided intQ channels by sprawling reefs and cays, and was just aY much a hazard to enemy as to friend?

"If we take her, it'll be another feather for us." TyrrelT watched his pipe-smoke drifting through the skylighU above him. "I often wonder if it makes all thaU difference to th' war.T

"It all helps, Jethro.T

Bolitho studied him gravely. How close they haX become. Like the use of first names, the ritual pipe1 smoking for as long as the tobacco stock lasted, it alT seemed to symbolise what the ship had made them?

Time and distance, hours and days spent in evera

sort of condition, they had all left their mark o[ Sparrow's company. Even the necessary changeY brought about by death and injury, transfer anX discharge had seemed unable to break the little ship'Y hold on their destiny. Over a third of the company werO replacements made since he had taken commandB and apart from colonists, included a sprinkling ob Negroes, some merchant seamen pressed from Z home-bound ship, and a solitary Greek who haX deserted his own vessel only to be taken aboard Z French brig as a captive. The brig, seized as a prizO by Sparrow, had yielded several new hands, and thO Greek had proved to be an excellent assistant cook?

"How long will you give her?T

Bolitho considered the question. "Another wee7 maybe. If she doesn't show herself, I think we ca[ assume she's slipped past us, or turned bac7 somewhere. She might have run into one of the patrolY further south.T

"Aye." Tyrrell yawned. "An' then we can get somO time in port.T

Feet pounded overhead and they heard BucklO shout, "Call all hands! Th' wind's a'coming back!T

Then there was a rap on the door and BethunO peered in at them, his round face sweating badly?

"Mr. Buckle's respects, sir. The wind is freshenin^ from the sou'-east. Fawn's tops'ls are already filling.T

"I'll come up." Bolitho waited until the midshipma[ had withdrawn before asking quietly, "What am Ito dQ about him?T

Tyrrell shrugged. "He'll not get promoted unless by Z miracle. Maybe if we put him in charge of our nexU prize?" He shook his head before Bolitho coulX comment. "Almighty God, the lad'd lose his way an' thd prize!T

On deck they found the hands already bein^ mustered while overhead the sails were stirrin^ uneasily, the masthead pendant lifting as the firsU breeze reached it?

"Man th' braces!" Tyrrell strode to the rail anX squinted into the glare. "It'll be up to us soon, lads.T

Bolitho shaded his eyes to stare at the other slooS as her sails suddenly filled and brought her round in Z slow pirouette. Across the sea's glittering face he sa/

the first ruffle of wind, then felt the sun-dried planking lifU under his shoes, the immediate response of blockY and halliards?

The Sparrow's decks were like tinder and it madO no difference how many times they were doused down? Paintwork was blistered by the heat, and as he turneX to watch the busy seamen he realised it was hard tQ tell the Negroes from his original company. Lean anX sun-dried maybe, he thought, but they looked healtha and bright-eyed, ready for anything?

Tyrrell called, "Shall I have th' larboard cutter toweX astern now, sir?T

Bolitho nodded. Only by towing them alternatela could they hope to keep them from drying out anX opening their seams. Even half filling them with wate_ on board seemed to have small effect?

"Yes. Tell Mr. Tilby to . . ." He checked himself anX added, "Pass the word to the boatswain, if yof please.T

After six months, it was still difficult not to speak hiY name, or expect to see his sweating features peerin^ aft at the quarterdeck?

They had run down a Spanish schooner off the GreaU Bahama Bank, but had been forced to fire on her whe[ she refused to yield. Then, with grapnels flying likO snakes, Sparrow had surged alongside in the manne_ so well practised that it was accepted withouU comment even by the new men. A few pistol shots, thO sight of the half-naked boarders with drawn cutlasseY had been enough to quench the Spaniard's resistancO and it was all over almost before it had begun? Sometime in the middle of it, while men had dashed tQ shorten sail and prepare for boarding, as Bolitho haX waved his arm to signal the Spanish master to strikO and avoid bloodshed, Tilby had died?

Not in the heat and terror of close action or under a[ enemy broadside, but quietly and without fuss while hO had stood at the foot of the foremast, his favouritO place where he usually kept an eye on the workings ob his ship. Dalkeith had examined him and reported thaU the boatswain's heart had given out, like a clock whicN had run its course and could take no more?

His death made a deep impression on everyonO who had known him. To die in such a way waY unthinkable. Tilby, who had survived battles at sea anX countless drunken brawls in taverns the world over, haX gone without a man seeing his passing?

When Tyrrell had collected his possessions BolithQ had been dismayed to see that there was hardla anything to barter amongst the company and thereba raise money for dependents he might have in England? Two small wood carvings of ships he had once servedB and one of them was broken, a collection of foreig[ coins, and his silver call which had been presented tQ him by no less a person than Captain Oliver of thO Menelaus where he had served as a bosun's mate? Poor Tilby, he had not even learned to write his ow[ name, and his language was limited to the profane fo_ much of the time. But he knew ships, and he kne/ Sparrow like his own body?

Harry Glass, the senior boatswain's mate, had bee[ promoted in his place, but like most of the otherY seemed unable to accept that he was no/ independent of Tilby's booming voice and ever-vigilanU eye?

As he watched the cutter rising from its chocks o[ the gun deck Bolitho wondered if indeed Tilby haX anyone ashore to grieve for him. He touched the sun1 heated taffrail and shuddered. He was a captain nowB the realisation of a dream which had been with hiR since he could remember. If the war suddenly endedB

or other circumstances forced him to leave the NavyB he would drop from his present foothold like a fallin^ stone. Not being confirmed to post-rank, he would enX up as a mere lieutenant on half-pay, and all this woulX just be a mocking memory. But how much worse fo_ those like Tilby. He ran his eyes quickly across the me[ nearest to him as they worked at the braces to seU Sparrow before the wind again. They had nothing. E little prize money if they were fortunate, some bounta maybe from a charitable captain, otherwise they woulX be thrown on the beach less able to face the demandY of the outside world than when they had volunteered o_ been pressed into service. It was unjust. Worse, it waY dishonourable to treat men so shabbily, when withouU their sacrifice and courage their country would havO fallen to an enemy years ago?

He began to pace the deck, his chin sunk on hiY chest. Perhaps one day they could change it. Make thO Navy a Service where men from all walks of life woulX be as glad as he was to serve in reasonable security?

"Deck thar! Breakers on the larboard bow!T

He came out of his thoughts and said. "Bring he_ round two points, Mr. Buckle. We will give those reefs Z wide berth until we are clear.T

"Aye, sir.T

He turned his attention to the other sloop, noting thaU Maulby had managed to repaint his hull in spite of thO heat. Fawn was exactly the same colour as SparrowB and to any uncertain eye would appear a twin. It waY another part of Bolitho's hard-won experience. Whe[ sailing separately, the fact they looked so simila_ helped to keep the enemy or his spies guessing. LikO the flag locker, which he had stocked with almost evera foreign flag in the book. Deception and surprise haX been the enemy's game. Bolitho was reaping thO benefit of their past success and turning the tableY against them?

"West nor'-west, sir! Steady as she goes!T

"Very well." He glanced at the compass and at thO set of the main topsails. "Not much of a wind, Mr? Buckle, but it suffices for the present.T

All afternoon and into early evening the two sloopY continued on the same tack, with the wind showing nQ sign of changing in strength or bearing?

The first dog watch was just drawing to its close anX Bolitho was making another attempt to complete hiY

letter when a sail was reported to the south-west? Signalling Fawn to remain in company, Bolitho altereX course to investigate, but as the newcomer showed nQ sign of running he guessed it was a friendly ship. ThO masthead soon confirmed that she was in fact thO flotilla's little schooner Lucifer, a vessel kept as busy ib not busier than any of them, carrying despatches anX poking into coves and bays where even sloops founX little room to move in safety?

In the dull bronze sunlight she made a pretty sightB with her big fore-and-aft sails spread like wings acrosY her narrow hull as she tacked towards the sloops, he_ signal flags soaring aloft to break in brightly coloureX squares?

Bethune called, "Have despatches on board, sir!T

Bolitho looked at Tyrrell. "Heave to, if you please." TQ Bethune he added, "Make to Fawn. Remain in closO company." He crossed to the rail as Tyrrell lowered hiY speaking trumpet. "You can never be sure. She mighU have good news for us.T

Tyrrell gripped the rail, grimacing with pain as, witN sails slapping fussily, Sparrow came up into the wind?

"Damn this leg!" In a calmer tone he said, "Good o_ bad, it's grand to see a friend. I was beginning to thin7 we had th' bloody sea to ourselves.T

A jolly boat was already on its way, and Bolitho sa/ that Lieutenant Odell, the schooner's captain, waY coming in person, and felt a sudden twinge of hopefuT excitement?

Odell clambered up the side and doffed his hat tQ the quarterdeck. He was a quick, darting young manB and was said to be slightly mad. But he seemed calR enough, and when he reached the cabin handeX Bolitho his bulky envelope before saying, "I have jusU come from Captain Colquhoun." He took a glass ob wine from Fitch and stared at it. "He is much excited.T

Bolitho slit open the envelope and ran his eyeY quickly over the scrawling hand of Colquhoun'Y personal clerk?

Tyrrell stood just inside the door, and Bolitho waY well aware of Buckle's shadow across the skylighU above the table. Not actually eavesdropping, but if hO happened to hear anything, well ..?

He looked up and said, "Captain Colquhoun took Z

fishing boat and questioned the crew." He flattened thO damp paper on the table. "That was a week ago.T

Odell held the empty glass in front of him and waiteX until Fitch had refilled it before saying dryly, "Actually, ] caught the boat, sir," he shrugged disdainfully, "but thO good Captain Colquhoun seemed to take it over, as iU were.T

Bolitho eyed him gravely. "It also states here that thO crew provided valuable information about thO Frenchman." He beckoned to Tyrrell and pushed thO unfinished letter from his chart. "The flute was sighteX here, close inshore," his finger rested on the wester[ end of Grand Bahama Island, "right amongst the islets? She was carrying out repairs, according to thO fishermen.T

Tyrrell nodded slowly. "It sounds likely. If thd Frenchman knew a hunt was mounted, he would takO th' most hazardous passage amongst th' islands tQ throw us off. It don't signify he's still there of course.T

Bolitho nodded. "A week back. Allow another fe/ days before that for the fishing boat to reach the placO where Lucifer sighted her." He snatched up hiY dividers and bent over the chart. "Thirty leagues froR

our present position. We could be off the island ba noon tomorrow if the wind holds.T

Odell said wearily, "But I understand that Captai[ Colquhoun wishes you to flush her out and nothin^ more, sir?" He smiled. "Or did I not comprehend thO good captain's desires?T

Bolitho sat down and opened the despatches again? "Bacchante is to approach by the North WesU Providence Channel, while we remain to north'rd anX harry the Frenchman if he tries to run for it.T

Odell nodded, satisfied. "Bacchante can be barela twenty miles from her attacking position by now, sir. ] am to find her again and report that I have met you anX that you understand the instructions.T

Bolitho glanced at him quickly. "Thank you. I dQ understand.T

The lieutenant stood up and reached for his hat? "Then I will return to my ship. I have no wish to bO caught in these waters after dark.T

Together they watched the lieutenant being roweX back to his schooner?

Then Tyrrell said heavily, "Seems clear enough tQ me. Cap'n Colquhoun is set on taking th' Frog as Z prize, all to himself, while we just act as beaters.T

"There is something which bothers me far more.T Bolitho rubbed his chin. "The fishing boat was a smalT one, according to the despatches. Too frail to be out i[ deep water where she might expect to find BacchantO or some other frigate. It was a mere fluke that she meU with Lucifer, for as we know, Jethro, schooners in thO King's service are rare out here.T

Tyrrell's eyes glistened in the dying sunlight. "Yof mean that th' fishermen were looking for another ship?T

Bolitho met his gaze. "Aye.T

"But there's only us an' the Fawn between here and th' inshore squadron, an' their nearest patrol must bO four hundred miles away?

"Exactly." Bolitho stared astern at the other sloopB her topsails already painted in deepening shadows? "And who would know that better than some islanX fisherman, eh?T

Tyrrell breathed out slowly. "Hell, you're saying wO was meant to get the information, but once Colquhou[

got his hands on 'em they acted for their own safety.T

"I don't know." Bolitho walked to the nettings anX back to the compass, seeing neither. "But Fawn'Y captain said something to me a while ago. That ou_ exploits were getting well known, which is another waa of saying they have been hurting the enemy.T

Tyrrell nodded. "A trap. Is it likely?" He waved onO band towards the sea. "Surely we're not thaU important!T

"It depends what the enemy intends.T

Bolitho turned away, feeling a chill on his spine. IU was a new sensation, uncanny. To think that someonO might be discussing him, planning and scheming likO runners after a wanted criminal?

But it was certainly how it appeared, how he musU anticipate it if he was to prepare himself. Fleets anX valuable convoys stayed to the east or west of thO Bahama Islands, so it was much more likely that thO enemy was out after one particular prize?

He said, "We will show a stern lantern for Fawn'Y benefit tonight. At dawn I will tell Commander Maulba

what I think." He grinned, suddenly amused by hiY unusual caution. "Or maybe by that time I will havO driven my ghosts away.T

Tyrrell watched him doubtfully. "To our enemy, thd Frogs in particular, you're like a thorn." He frowned? "There's only one way to deal with thorns, you tear 'eR out and stamp on 'em!T

Bolitho nodded. "I agree. We will continue with ou_ new course, but be prepared to treat every event as Z trick and a ruse until proved otherwise.T

He looked abeam for the Lucifer, but she was littlO more than a blur in the damp evening haze. He curseX Colquhoun for not supplying more information abouU the fishing boat, where it came from, or the reliability ob its crew. Yet he could almost feel sorry for him. He waY obviously beset with anxiety about his own future, anX now there was the chance of catching a rich prize, anX probably military information as well, he could think ob little else?

He went below to his cabin and stared at the charU beneath a gently spiralling lantern. Between his handY the islands, the countless tentacles of reefs anX shallows were like the neck of some gigantic bagB

around which Colquhoun's flotilla, accidentally o_ otherwise, were converging to close with the finality ob a noose?

Bolitho sighed and turned to lean from one of thO windows. In the shaded stern lantern's beam the smalT frothing wake glowed like blue wool, and beyond it thO horizon had faded to mingle with the first pale stars?

Then he touched the scar beneath the lock of hairB noting that it was hurting, throbbing in time with hiY heart. He knew he was uneasy, more so because hO could not find a proper reason for it?

Overhead he heard Graves murmuring as he too7 over the watch, and Tyrrell's limping step as he walkeX towards the companion ladder. Normal, regular soundY which usually gave him a sense of pleasure. NowB perhaps because they represented people he haX come to know, and not merely extensions of the ship'Y efficiency, he was suddenly afraid. Not of an enemy o_ the ever-present shadow of death, but of hiY responsibility which their trust had given him?

11 STRATEGY AND SPITY

BOLITHO was hastily tying his neckcloth when TyrrelT thrust his head through the cabin skylight and calledB "Bacchante's just signalled, sir! Capn's to repai_ aboard!T

"I will come up directly.T

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

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

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

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

"Ready, sir.T

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

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

Stockdale was muttering under his breath, anX

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

Bolitho clambered up the side, doffing his hat anX regaining his composure while the calls shrilled i[ salute and a squad of red-coated marines slappeX their muskets to the present?

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

"The captain is aft, sir. He is preparing his strategyB other, wise . ?

Maulby stepped from the shade of the gangway anX took his arm. "Otherwise, my friend, he would have haX the good grace to meet us at the entry port, eh?" HO laughed at the lieutenant's embarrassment. "You, sirB deserve rich recognition for your penance aboard thiY ship.T

Together they strode beneath the poopB automatically ducking their heads despite the amplO room above?

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

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

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

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

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

Maulby added calmly, "And I thought you might bO closer inshore, sir. We seem to be somewhat, er, out ob touch with affairs at present." He glanced towards hiY own ship as she rolled uneasily about a cable froR Bacchante's quarter. "But I expect you have a reaso[ for that, sir.T

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

He snapped, "Look at my chart." They gathereX round and he tapped it with some brass dividers. "ThO

Frenchman is here. I sent a cutter under sail beforO dawn to investigate." He looked up, his eyeY triumphant. "So there's an end to speculation.T

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colquhoun looked at him searchingly. "I am workin^ on the assumption that the enemy is near finisheX repairs. Now, he will either continue on passage, o_ make for Martinique again if he is badly holed anX needing greater help. Either way, we must act at oncO and avoid another chase.T

"I would suggest a boat action, sir. We would crosY

the bar from two directions and cut her out before thea know what is happening. With men and boats from alT three ships we can swamp her defences with darknesY on our side.T

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

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

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

He turned swiftly before Bolitho could reply. "YouB Maulby, will take Fawn across the bar tonight, unde_ sweeps if required, but I want you in position at daw[ tomorrow." He leaned over the chart again. "If thO enemy is repaired enough to make sail he will nQ doubt hope for one of three possible channels. To thO north his passage could be adversely affected by winX and tide. South is more likely, in which case BacchantO will be well placed to take him as he tacks around thO

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

Across his bowed shoulders Maulby looked aU Bolitho and shrugged?

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

Maulby asked slowly, "Will you send men overlandB sir?T

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

substance!T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bolitho forced a smile. Maulby was lying to ease hiY troubled mind. Lying as he would probably do unde_

similar conditions. Before and after a fight at sea therO was always room for recriminations and counter1 proposals, but once joined in battle there was usualla only one thought. To fight, to keep on firing until thO enemy broke or the tide turned against you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Not this time, Stockdale.T

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

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

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

Stockdale studied the captain's squared shouldersB the way he was gripping his hanger so that the fingerY showed white through his tan. It ain't no use you blowind off at me, my lad, it still ain t right, an' wot's more, yof knows it0

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

As the bowman hooked on to the chains BolithQ turned abruptly and said, "But thank you for you_ concern.T

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

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

Tyrrell was no less ready to speak out. "But that's Z strange choice! Commander Maulby's a fine officerB but ...T

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

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

"What d'you make of it, Mr. Tyrrell?T

Tyrrell frowned. "That damn Colquhoun! I never too7 to th' man. Like bloody Ransome, his eyes are slits fo_ the Devil to peer through!T

Buckle shook his head. "Cap'n's worried, there's nQ doubt on that.T

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

Bolitho's voice rose sharply through the skylight? "When you have finished, gentlemen, I would bO obliged if you would attend to my orders!T

Buckle looked at Tyrrell and grinned sheepishly?

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

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

The wind rose very slightly, and by the time the firsU stars appeared above the raked masts they haX logged nearly fifty miles back along the same coursO they had used to join Colquhoun with such haste thO

previous night?

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

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

She had written asking for money, for herself and tQ try to keep their father from a debtors' prison. GraveY had sent all he had, which had been little enough. HiY share of Sparrow's prize money would helS

considerably, but until he received more news froR home he was unwilling to sign it over when it had bee[ so hard to come by. If only he had been better mouldeX to dealing with the ways of the Navy. Like the captainB whose seafaring background and famous ancestorY put him apart from men like himself. Or even TyrrellB who seemed indifferent to all authority, although GoX knew he could ill afford to be so. He remembereX exactly when Tyrrell's sister had come aboard. Thea had been in Kingston, Jamaica, where she had bee[ living with friends, waiting until the troubles, as shO called them, in America were over. A vivacious, livela girl, with none of Tyrrell's casual attitudes. To GraveY she had appeared like some sort of angel, an answe_ to everything he had ever dreamed. She came from Z settled, prosperous family, and as a wife would havO given him the chance to better himself, find his rightfuT place in the world instead of remaining unsure anX cautious. Tyrrell had seen his intentions clearly enoughB but had neither encouraged nor come out directla against him. Then, the fool had had an argument witN Captain Ransome over a man being punished. GraveY could no longer remember if the punishment was jusU or not, nor did he care. All that remained clear was thaU Ransome had acted swiftly and had used all his charmB which was considerable, and his obvious skill on thO

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

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

The worry about his sister, the uncertainty abouU himself, had taken their toll in other ways, too. He haX sensed it after the fight with the Bonaventure, eve[ though he had been aboard Sparrow with the rescueX passengers. Suppose the captain had failed tQ grapple her long enough to carry out his wild planU Would he have had the strength to turn Sparro/ against orders and attempt to rescue Bolitho and hiY men? But for Buckle and some of the others hO

doubted if he would have done so even when botN grappled ships had burst into flames. They had see[ the great pall of smoke from the horizon itself?

And later, when they had closed with the other prizeY and had exchanged shots with privateers, he had felU the fear spreading inside him like some loathsomO disease. Nobody had noticed. Yet. He shook himselb and crossed to the weather side, trying to clear hiY mind in the cool breeze?

The two midshipmen were standing by the leO nettings, and Bethune said quietly, "Mr. Graves seemY worried.T

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

Bethune was watching the lieutenant. "I know. It'Y your turn.T

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

Bethune gaped at him. "For me?T

"Perhaps.T

Bethune's gratitude was pathetic. "Oh, if only. . ." HO nodded firmly. "Yes, I will take charge of the cable party? Anything else I can do ...T

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

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

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

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

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

Deep in the hold, a lantern above his narrow headB

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

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

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

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

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

"Well?" He peered at the slanting compass bowlB

seeing the helmsmen's eyes glowing faintly in thO binnacle light. "I'm waiting, Mr. Heyward.T

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

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

Buckle muttered, "We'll never be able to changO tack in time to reach the head o' the shoals, sir." HO glared at the compass. "Never!T

Bolitho rubbed his chin, feeling the wind playin^ across his bare shoulders. Heyward had been foolisN to let Sparrow have her head like this. Maybe hO expected the wind to veer again, as it often diX hereabouts, but whatever he thought or hoped, thO ship's bow was now pointing almost north-west ba north, and she was not holding that course very welT either. Every minute was taking them further from thO chain of shoals, and it would waste hours of wearin^

and tacking to fight round again towards their statio[ as Colquhoun had directed?

Heyward said miserably, "I'm sorry about this, sir. I-] thought I could hold her.T

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

Buckle was adamant. "Impossible." He sighed. "I'R afraid we must remain close-hauled and try to wea_ ship in perhaps three hours or so.T

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bolitho said, "Very well. Leadsmen in the chainsB and then get the royals and t'gallants off her." He waY speaking fast in time with his thoughts. "Tell the bosu[ to unleash the sweeps in case the wind dropY altogether.T

Tyrrell nodded. "Aye, aye, sir. I reckon we stand Z fair chance of getting through. Th' set of th' tide is in ou_ favour." He hesitated. "When it drops a piece we maa find it bothersome.T

Bolitho smiled in spite of his thoughts. "WelT spoken!T

Shouts came along the gun deck where petta

officers completed their count of topmen and hands fo_ the braces. So well did most of them know the ship thaU darkness made little or no difference to them?

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

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

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

And all the while he was thinking rapidly. Once thO ship had gone about the nearest strip of sandbar anX shoal would lie some ten miles across the bows. E false estimate of speed and distance, a wrong o_ careless description on the chart, and he might drivO her hard aground. But in his heart he knew the risk waY worthwhile. No one could blame him for keeping to hiY original orders and thereby allow the wind to carry hiR away from the area. Colquhoun would probably bO

pleased to have him as far off as possible if only tQ deny Sparrow even the role of spectator for the finaT act. By ignoring the rigid span of his orders he mighU lay himself open to reprimand, but with luck he woulX be better placed to give Fawn assistance if thO Frenchman decided to fight. With the wind backed tQ the north-east, Colquhoun would be hard put to remai[ in his own sector when the time came, and that in itselb would offer some excuse for Bolitho's action?

"Ready, sir!T

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

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

"Helm's a'lee, sir!T

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

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

"Mainsail haul!T

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

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

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

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

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

"Aye, sir." He sounded breathless. "Full an' bye!T

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

Eventually even Buckle seemed satisfied. "Sou' ba

east, sir!T

"Very good.T

Bolitho peered tip at the hard-braced yards. NoU even a frigate could sail this close to the wind. Nothin^ could?

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

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

"Easy, Jethro! Is it painful?T

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

Bolitho watched the topmen slithering down stayY and shrouds and then said, "Yes. I suppose I did wanU it. I cannot explain my fears." He shrugged and addedB

"So I will not try.T

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

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

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

He moved to the hatch cover and paused. "I will gQ below and get into some clothes. It'll never do for ou_ people to see their captain like this in daylight." HO laughed, the sound carrying up to a solitary ma[ working on the mainyard. "I may live like a savage, but ] see no cause to look like one!T

Tyrrell turned back to the rail, easing his leg as thO pain lanced through it. He had just seen yet anothe_ Bolitho. Naked to the waist, his black hair plastereX over his forehead, he had looked as young, if noU younger than Heyward. In such a moment Tyrrell haX been touched by his concern for the hands as he haX been impressed by his cheerful recklessness over thO approaching sandbars?

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

Tyrrell said, "Dismiss th' watch below. Then have thd petty officers lay aft for instructions.T

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

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

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

"I don't think I understand.T

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

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

Stockdale was waiting in the cabin with Bolitho'Y shirt, and after handing him a towel asked, "Did yof really fall asleep on watch, sir?T

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

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

we have to embroider things a little sometimes.T

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

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

Stockdale watched him warily. "Serve 'im right.T

Bolitho sighed. Moralising was wasted o[ Stockdale?

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

Then he asked, "An' wot 'appened to the seamanB sir?T

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

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

"Proves me point then, don't it, sir? There ain't nQ justice in th' world for any of us!T

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

12 A TWIST OF FATY

LIEUTENANT Tyrrell gripped the quarterdeck rail anX peered fixedly along the starboard gangway?

"God damn this mist!" He leaned across the railB straining his eyes forward in an effort to see beyonX the forecastle. "And God damn our luck!T

Bolitho said nothing but moved to the opposite sidO of the deck. Since before dawn, when with leads goin^ and every ear and eye pitched to the shouted depthsB the sounds of distant surf and the occasional feather ob warning spray in the darkness, he had been aware ob

the thickening sea mist. It was not unusual in thesO waters at the time of year, but he had expected it tQ pass quickly, to clear with the first hint of mornin^ sunlight?

Now, as he stared abeam, he knew it was thicke_ than ever. Moving steadily with the wind, it wreatheX between the shrouds and seemed to cling to thO rigging like pale weed. Above the topsail yards hO could see nothing, and apart from a clear patch ob water below the quarterdeck, the sea was equalla hidden. Keeping pace with the ship's cautiouY progress, the mist cut away all impression ob movement, so that it felt as if Sparrow was suspendeX in cloud like some phantom vessel?

A voice below the quarterdeck called, "By th' mar7 five!T

The seaman's call was hushed as the sounding waY passed from mouth to mouth from the leadsmen in thO forechains. Once over the bar, Bolitho had ordered thO ship to be cleared for action, and with the enfoldin^ mist shutting out both sight and sound, it waY necessary to take every precaution?

He glanced at the maintopsail again. It was drawin^

quite well, taking the sloop steadily across thO shallows, the flapping canvas shining with moisture i[ the grey light to show that somewhere above the misU there was a sun and maybe a sight of land, too?

"Deep four!T

Bolitho walked aft to the wheel where Buckle stooX with his men, the mist moving through his splayed legY and making him appear like a spectre?

He stiffened as Bolitho approached and reportedB "She's holding well, sir. Sou' by east as afore.T

From the gun deck came a scrape of wood, anX when he turned Bolitho saw one of the long sweepY swaying above the water before coming into line witN the rest. He had ordered the sweeps to be run out a[ hour earlier, for if the wind dropped or they came upo[ some unexpected shoal, they would be the only meanY of working clear?

"Deck there!" The masthead's voice seemed tQ come from the mist itself. "Ship on th' starboarX quarter!T

Bolitho stared upwards, aware for the first time thaU the mist was tinged yellow like a North Sea fog?

Sunlight at last. Far above the deck, isolated by a laye_ of mist, the lookout had sighted another vessel?

He saw Tyrrell and the others watching him, caughU in their various attitudes by the lookout's sharp call?

Bolitho said, "I shall go aloft, Mr. Tyrrell." HO unbuckled his sword and handed it to Stockdale? "Keep good watch and ensure that the anchor can bO dropped instantly if need be.T

He hurried to the gangway, his mind torn betwee[ the unexpected sighting of a strange ship and hiY rising nausea at the prospect of a climb to the lookout?

Then he swung himself out on to the main shroudY and gripped the gently quivering ratlines with as mucN force as if the ship had been in a full gale. Through thO ratlines he saw Graves below on the gun deckB shoulders hunched, his eyes looking neither right no_ left?

Bethune was close by him, one hand resting on Z twelvepounder, the other shading his eyes as hO peered up at the mist. All along the ship men stood likO crude statuary, bare backs shining with moisture, whicN dripped ceaselessly from the sails and rigging, so thaU

they appeared to be sweating, as if they had just bee[ in battle?

Here and there a checked shirt, or the darker bluO and white of a gunner's mate, stood out from the restB as if the artist had found more time to complete thei_ postures before passing on to some other part of thO picture?

"By th' mark five." The chant came aft from thO forecastle like a dirge?

In his mind Bolitho pictured the chart. The tide waY on the turn now. Soon even the so-called safe channelY between the shoals and sandbars would be draw[ closer together, like great jaws closing around Z capture?

He gritted his teeth and started to climb. When hO paused to draw breath the ship had lost her outline i[ the mist. Only the guns and oblong hatchways stooX out with any clarity, and aft by the taffrail Buckle and thO others seemed to be cut in halves by the followin^ tendrils of haze?

Up and up. At the maintop he swarmed quickla through the lubber's hole rather than tackle thO

additional agony of hanging by fingers and toes froR the futtock shrouds. A seaman gaped at him as hO passed and was still staring as Bolitho increased hiY rate of climb until he, too, was lost from view?

A few moments later Bolitho stared up at the mai[ topgallant yard with something like awe. For thereB above it, clean and empty of cloud, the sky was brighU blue, and as he started up the last ratlines he saw thO taut stays and shrouds shining like copper in the earla sunlight?

The lookout, legs swinging carelessly from thO crosstrees, moved over to allow his captain to climb uS beside him?

Bolitho gripped a stay with one hand and tried tQ control his rapid breathing?

"Ah, Taylor, you have a good perch up here.T

The maintopman gave a slow grin. "Aye, sir." He haX a soft North Country burr, and his homely voice diX more than he would have dreamed possible to steada Bolitho's sickness?

He raised a bronzed arm. "There she be, sir!T

Bolitho twisted round, trying not to look at thO vibrating mast as it vanished below into the mist. For Z moment longer he could see nothing. Then, as thO sluggish wind stirred the mist into movement he sa/ the raked topmasts and flapping pendant of a frigatO some three miles away on the starboard quarter?

He forgot his precarious position, the nausea of thO dizzy climb, everything in fact but the other ship?

The lookout said, "There be breakers yonder, tooB sir. I reckon that frigate's on t'other side o' the bar.T

Bolitho looked at him gravely. "You know her, don'U you?T

The man nodded. "Aye, sir. She's Bacchante, Cap'[ Colquhoun's command flag is at the fore." He watcheX Bolitho's impassive face. "Anyway, I was in 'er onceB two years back.T

Bolitho nodded. He had known it was BacchanteB too. Perhaps he had been hoping he was mistakenB that the mist and light were playing tricks?

But there was no doubting Taylor's conviction. It waY typical of such seamen as he. Once they had serveX with or aboard a ship they seemed to know her unde_

any condition. Taylor had only seen the frigate's uppe_ yards, but he had recognised her instantly?

Bolitho touched his arm. "Keep a good watch on herB Taylor." He slung his leg over the edge. "You've donO well.T

Then he was climbing and slipping downwards, hiY mind grappling with this new encounter. Once, when hO peered over his shoulder he thought he saw hazeX sunlight on the water, further away from the hull. So thO mist was thinning after all. But it was too late now, ib things went wrong?

Tyrrell was waiting for him by the quarterdeck rail, hiY eyes anxious as Bolitho jumped down from thO shrouds and hurried towards him?

"It's Bacchante!T

Bolitho stared past him at the upturned faces on thO gun deck, the faint leap of spray as the leadsma[ made yet another cast?

"Quarter less five!T

He turned to Tyrrell. "Colquhoun must have stooX well clear of land during the night. When the winX

backed it caught him out, as it did us. He must havO been driven miles along the Channel." He turned awayB his voice suddenly bitter. "The damn fool should havO stayed closer inshore! Now he's useless out therO beyond the shoals! It'd take him near half a day to beaU back into an attacking position!T

Tyrrell's hand rasped over his chin. "What'll we doU With the tide on th' turn we'll have to look sharp if we'rO to close with th' Frogs." He glanced at Buckle. "Ma guess is we should stand away and try again later.T

Buckle nodded slowly. "Mine, too. If Cap'[ Colquhoun's plan has gone off at half-cock then wO can't be expected to do better.T

Bolitho ignored him. "Pass the word, Mr. Tyrrell? Withdraw sweeps and have the guns loaded and ru[ out. Gun by gun, if you please, with as little noise aY possible." He studied Buckle's dubious expressio[ and added quietly, "I know the risk. So brail up thO courses and have the bosun prepare a stream ancho_ in case we have to take the way off her directly." HO thrust his hands behind his back. "You can think mO mad, Mr. Buckle." He heard the sweeps thumpin^ inboard on to their racks and the slow rumble of truckY as the first cannon were hauled towards the ope[

ports. "And maybe I am. But somewhere out there is Z British sloop like ourselves. Thanks to others she iY quite alone now, and God knows, if I am not mad the[ Fawn is going to need every bit of help she can get!T

The big main course rose billowing and protesting tQ its yard as men worked busily to bring it under controT and lay bare the decks from bow to quarterdeck?

A gunner's mate called huskily, "Loaded an' run outB sir!T

Tyrrell strode aft, his speaking trumpet jammeX beneath his arm?

Bolitho met his gaze and smiled briefly. "You werO faster this time.T

Then together, with their backs to the helmsmen anX an apprehensive Buckle, they leaned on the rail anX stared directly ahead. The mist was still all arounX them, but thinner, and as he watched Bolitho knew iU was at last outpacing the ship, moving stealthila through the shrouds and away across the lee bow? There was sunlight, too. Not much, but he saw iU reflecting faintly from the ship's bell and playing on Z black twelve-pounder ball which one gun captain haX

removed from a shot garland and was changing froR hand to hand, testing its perfection or otherwise?

Bolitho asked softly, "How far now, in your opinion?T

Tyrrell raised his injured leg and winced. "Th' winX stays regular from th' nor'-east. Our course is sou' ba east." He was thinking aloud. "Th' soundings havO found no lie in th' chart." He made up his mind. "] reckon we're about six mile from th' place where Faw[ crossed through th' shoals." He turned and addeX firmly, "You'll have to put about soon, sir. You'll be harX aground if you keep on this tack much longer.T

The chant seemed to float aft to mock him. "By thd mark three!T

Lieutenant Heyward, who was standing very still ba the quarterdeck ladder, murmured, "Holy God!T

Bolitho said, "If the Frenchman is still there, the[ there must be ample room for him to work clear.T

Tyrrell eyed him sadly. "Aye. But by th' time we reacN that far we'll be in no position to go about. Th' Frog ca[ thumb his nose at us.T

Bolitho pictured the disembodied masts and yardY

of Colquhoun's frigate and gripped his hands togethe_ to steady his nerves and restrain his rising anger. ThaU fool Colquhoun. So eager to keep the spoils to himselb he had failed to anticipate a change of wind. So kee[ to keep Sparrow out of the victory that he had now lefU the gate open for the enemy to run free if he sQ desired. Fawn could not bring her to battle even if shO could catch her?

"An' a quarter less three!T

He grasped the nettings and tried not to imagine thO sea's bottom rising slowly and steadily towards thO keel?

It was no use. He swung away from the nettings, hiY sudden movement making Midshipman Fowler starU back in alarm. He was risking the ship and the life ob everyone aboard. Fawn was probably anchored, o_ had already found the enemy gone. HiY apprehensions, his personal doubts would cut littlO cloth with the relatives of those drowned by his riskin^ Sparrow for a whim?

He said harshly, "We will wear ship. I intend to crosY the bar and rejoin Bacchante as soon as the misU clears." He saw Buckle nod with relief and TyrrelT

watching him with grave understanding. "Convey ma compliments to Mr. Graves and have the guns..." HO swung round as several voices shouted at once?

Tyrrell said tersely, "Gunfire, by God!T

Bolitho froze, listening intently to the intermittenU cracks and the heavier crash of larger weapons?

"Belay that last order, Mr. Tyrrell!" He watched as Z shaft of sunlight ran down the trunk of the mainmast likO molten gold. "We will not be blind for long!T

More minutes dragged by, with every man aboarX listening to the distant gunfire?

Bolitho found that he could see beyond the taperin^ jib-boom, and when he glanced abeam he saw Z writhing necklace of surf to mark the nearest prongs ob reef. Perhaps it was the mist, or back echoes from thO hidden land, but the gunfire did not sound right. HO could pick out the sharper bark of Fawn's nine1 pounders from the enemy's heavier artillery, but therO were other explosions from varying bearings whicN seemed to tally at odds with the circumstances?

Sunlight swept down across the damp planking anX raised more haze from the dripping shrouds anX

hammock nettings, and then, like some fantasti. curtain, the mist was drawn aside, laying bare thO drama with each detail sharp in the morning light?

There was the tip of the island, hard blue against a[ empty sky, and the intermingled patterns of surf anX swirling currents to show the nearness of the bar. AnX dead ahead of Sparrow's slow approach, her hulT seemingly pinioned on the jib-boom, was Maulby'Y Fawn?

Further away, with masts and furled sails stilT shrouded in departing mist, lay the Frenchman, halb hidden in shadow, the outline blurred into the landmasY beyond. She was firing rapidly, her battery flashing lon^ orange tongues, her flag clearly visible above thO gunsmoke?

It was only then Bolitho realised that Fawn was stilT anchored. Sickened, he watched the sharS waterspouts bursting all around her, the occasionaT fountain of spray as a ball smashed hard alongside?

Buckle called hoarsely, "He's cut his cable, sir!T

Maulby's men were already running out the lon^ sweeps to try to work clear of the murderous barrageB

while from her own deck the guns maintained a bris7 fire towards the enemy?

Bolitho gripped the rail as Fawn's foretopmasU staggered and then reeled down in a great welter ob spray and smoke. He heard Tyrrell's voice as if in Z dream, saw him pointing wildly, as more flasheY sparkled, not from the Frenchman but from thO headland and low down as well, probably on somO small beach?

What a perfect trap. Maulby must have been caughU by the mist, and after making sure the enemy was stilT apparently moored close inshore, had anchored tQ await Colquhoun's support. No wonder Bacchante'Y first lieutenant had reported so much activity. ThO French captain had taken time to land artillery so thaU any attacker would be caught in one devastating arc ob fire from which there was small chance of escape?

The sweeps were out now, rising and falling likO wings, bringing the little sloop round until she waY pointing away from the enemy and towards the bar anX the open sea?

A chorus of cries and groans came from the gu[ deck as the larboard bank of sweeps flew in wilX

confusion, the splintered blades whirling high into thO air before splashing around the ship in fragments?

Bolitho raised a telescope and held it trained o[ Fawn's quarterdeck. He saw running figures, faceY magnified in the lens and made more terrible ba distance and silence. Open mouths, gesturing arms aY men ran to hack away the wreckage and keep at leasU some of the guns firing. A spar fell across his smalT encircled world, so that he flinched as if expecting tQ feel the shock of its impact on the deck. A seaman waY running and stumbling along one gangway, his facO apparently shot away, his terror agonising to watch aY he fell and was mercifully lost alongside?

Someone had kept his head, and high above thO deck Bolitho saw the maintopsail billowing free to thO wind, the sudden response beneath Fawn's gildeX figurehead as she began to gather way?

He felt Buckle shaking his arm and turned as hO shouted desperately, "We must go about, sir!" HO pointed frantically towards the glittering water and at Z mass of brown weed which glided so close to itY surface. "We'll be ashore this instant!T

Bolitho looked past him. "Prepare to anchor, Mr?

Tyrrell!" He did not recognise his voice. It was like steeT against steel. "Have the cutters swayed out anX prepare to lay a kedge anchor directly." He waited untiT Tyrrell had run to the rail and the first dazed men haX swarmed out along the yards. "We will remain here.T

Moving more slowly, Sparrow edged into thO shallows, and when she passed above one sandbar iU was possible to see her own shadow before the wate_ deepened once more?

Bolitho continued to pass his orders, making eacN one separate and detached from the next while hO forced himself to concentrate, to shut his ears to thO gunfire, to shield his eyes from Fawn's slow anX methodical destruction?

The cutters were lowered, and as ordered, GlassB the boatswain, took one of them to lay out a smalT kedge. With sails brailed up, and loosely anchoreX from bow and stern, Sparrow finally came to rest?

Then and only then did Bolitho raise his glass agai[ and turn it on the Fawn. Listing badly, and all but he_ mizzen shot away, she was still trying to work clear ob the bombardment. It was hopeless, for although he_ rudder seemed intact, and the spanker and crossjac7

were giving her some sort of steerage way, she waY badly hampered by a mass of dragging spars anX canvas, and appeared to have few men left who werO able to cut it adrift. She was hit again and again, thO splintered sections of timber and planking plummetin^ in the shallows, floating with and astern of her likO blood from a wounded beast?

She gave a violent lurch, and as her mizzen camO down to join the rest of her spars, Bolitho knew shO had driven aground. She was broaching to, her dec7 tilting towards him as the first savage spines grounX into her bilges and keel. It was finished?

He closed the glass and handed it to someonO nearby. He saw no individual faces, heard no voices hO could recognise. His own was as strange anX unnatural as before?

"The Frenchman lies on our larboard bow." Ho/ quiet it was now. The enemy had ceased fire, for aY Fawn lay gripped on a shoal she was at last out ob reach from those guns. Smoke drifted above thO headland, and Bolitho pictured the French artilleryme[ sponging out the muzzles, watching perhaps thO unexpected arrival of another sloop. One more victim? "The range is less than a mile. He is well moored tQ

present a perfect deception." He knew Tyrrell and thO rest were watching him. Transfixed. "Equally, he cannoU hurt us. We on the other hand . . ." He turned despitO his guard to see Fawn's beakhead and bowsprit tea_ away and drop into the swirling current beneath he_ stem. He continued tonelessly, "We can hit him, anX hard!T

Graves was on the ladder, his face pale from shoc7 or at seeing the other ship destroyed so cruelly?

Bolitho looked at him. "Get the larboard bow-chase_ to work. You will open fire when ready. Pass you_ requirements to the bosun. By using the anchor cableY you will be able to traverse at will." He turned to Tyrrell? "Have the capstan manned at once.T

Graves was halfway along the deck when Bolitho'Y voice brought him stockstill in his tracks?

"Fetch Mr. Yule! Tell him I want him to build a smalT furnace where he can heat shot for your gun. TakO good care that it is done right and well." He shifted hiY eyes to the enemy ship. "We have time now. Plenty ob it.T

Then he walked to the nettings and waited for TyrrelT

to come aft again?

Tyrrell said quietly, "You were right after all, sir. It waY us they were after. Good God Almighty, it was us wO just watched being destroyed!T

Bolitho studied him gravely. "Aye, Jethro." HO recalled with stark clarity Maulby's words to him at thei_ last meeting. Of Colquhoun. That man will be the deatN of me ..?

He swung round, his voice harsh again. "What thO hell is the delay?T

He was answered by a loud bang from forward, anX was in time to see the fall of shot some half a cablO from the enemy?

An order was passed down the deck and the men aU the capstan bars took the strain, tautening the cablO very slightly so that Sparrow's bows edged round tQ give Graves's crew a better traverse?

Bang! The ball shrieked away, this time slappin^ down in line with the enemy's poop?

Bolitho had to grip his hands to steady himself. ThO next ball would strike. He knew it would. From then o[

... He beckoned to Stockdale?

"Away gig. Pipe for the second cutter to head fo_ Fawn. We may yet pick up some of her people.T

He saw Dalkeith below the ladder, already dresseX in his long, stained apron?

Another bang came from the bow-chaser, and hO saw the brown smoke billowing through the beakheadB hiding the actual fall of shot. But a voice yelled, "GoU 'er! Fine on th' quarter!T

He said, half to himself, "Not pop-guns this time, Mr? Frenchman! Not this time!T

"Gig's ready, sir!" Even Stockdale soundeX shocked?

"Take charge until I return, Mr. Tyrrell." He waited fo_ him to drag his leg down to the entry port. "We wilT work out of here on the next tide.T

He heard dull hammering as Yule and his mateY constructed a crude furnace. It was dangerous, eve[ foolhardy under normal circumstances to conside_ heating shot aboard ship. A tinder-dry hull, cordagO and canvas, tar and gunpowder. But this was noU

normal. Sparrow was anchored in sheltered waters. E floating gun-platform. It was merely a matter ob accuracy and patience?

Tyrrell asked awkwardly, "How long do we keeS firing, sir?T

Bolitho swung himself out above the gently slappin^ cat's-paws and green reflections?

"Until the enemy is destroyed." He looked away? "Completely.T

"Aye, sir.T

Tyrrell watched Bolitho climb into the gig, the quic7 flurry of oars as Stockdale guided it towards the hul7 which had once been Fawn?

Then he walked slowly to the quarterdeck rail anX shaded his eyes to watch the enemy ship. There waY little sign of damage, but the balls were hitting he_ regularly now. Shortly, the heated shot would bO cradled from Yule's furnace, and then ... he shivereX despite the growing sunlight. Like most sailors hO feared fire more than anything?

Hewyard joined him and asked quietly, "Did hO

mean it?T

Tyrrell thought of Bolitho's eyes, the despair and hurU when Fawn had been taken by the trap. "Aye, he did.T

He flinched as a gun fired from the Frenchman'Y deck, and saw the ball throw up a thin column almost Z cable short. Seamen not employed on the capstan o_ boats were watching from the gangways and shroudsB some even made wagers as to the next shot. As eacN French ball fell short they cheered or jeered, spectatorY only, and as yet unaware that but for a twist of fate thea and not Fawn's people would have died under thosO cannon?

Tyrrell continued, "Colquhoun brought us to this. If ou_ cap'n had been given his rightful position to attac7 we'd have got clear." He banged his palms together? "Arrogant bastard! An' he just sits out there like somO sort of god while we finish his mess for him!T

Another bang echoed across the water and he sa/ a spar fall from the enemy's mainmast. Very slowly, o_ so it appeared, like a leaf from a tree in autumn?

Midshipman Fowler called, "Our boats are standin^ off the wreck, sir!T

He was pale, but as he raised his telescope hiY hand was as steady as a gun?

Tyrrell looked at him coldly. And there's another one? Like Ransome, like Colquhoun. Without humanity o_ feelings?

Wreck was how he had described Fawn. YeU moments ago she had been a living, vital creature. E way of life for her people and those who would havO come after?

Savagely he said, "Get aloft, Mr. Fowler, and takO your glass with you! Keep an eye open for BacchantO beyond th' reef and watch for her signals.T

If any?

Then as the gun banged out again he made himselb walk to the opposite side leaving Heyward to hiY thoughts?

Bolitho heard the gun's regular bombardment eve[ as the gig hooked on to Fawn's listing side, and witN some of his men he climbed aboard?

"The cutter first!" He gestured to Bethune who waY staring at the bloody shambles like a man in a trance?

"Full load, and then the gig.T

Stockdale followed him up the slanting deck, ove_ smashed boats and tangled rigging. Once as thea passed a hatchway Bolitho saw a green glow, anX when he peered below he saw the sea surgin^ jubilantly through a great gash in the hull, the reflecteX sunlight playing on two bobbing corpses. HugO patches of blood, upended guns around which thO dazed survivors staggered down towards the waitin^ boats. There seemed very few of them?

Bolitho wiped his face with his shirt-sleeve. UsB Tyrrell had said. It was not difficult to understand?

He paused on the quarterdeck ladder and lookeX down at Maulby. He had been crushed by a fallen sparB his features frozen in the agony of the moment. TherO was a small smudge of blood on his cheek, and therO were flies crawling on his face?

He said hoarsely, "Take him, Stockdale.T

Stockdale bent down and then muttered, "Can't bO done, sir. 'E's 'eld fast.T

Bolitho knelt over the spar and covered his face witN a scrap of canvas. Rest easy, old friend. Stay with you_

ship. You are in the best of company today?

The deck gave a quick shiver. She was beginning tQ break up. The sea, the tide and the unlashed gunY would soon finish what the enemy had begun?

Bethune's voice came up from alongside where thO cutter rose and plunged in a dangerous swell. "All offB sir!T

"Thank you.T

Bolitho heard the sea crashing through the dec7 below, swamping the wardroom and on into the ster[ cabin. One like his own. There was no time to retrievO anything now. He bent down and unclipped Maulby'Y sword?

He handed it to Stockdale. "Someone in EnglanX might like it.T

He made himself take one long glance around him? Remembering every detail. Holding it?

Then he followed Stockdale into the gig. He did noU look back, nor did he hear the sounds of Fawn's finaT misery. He was thinking of Maulby. His drawling voice? Feeling his last handshake?

Tyrrell met him and then said, "Mr. Yule has thd furnace ready, sir.T

Bolitho looked at him emptily. "Douse it, if yof please.T

"Sir?T

"I'll not burn men for doing their duty. The Frenchma[ is too badly holed now to get away. We will send Z boat across under a flag of truce, I don't think he'll wisN to prolong senseless killing.T

Tyrrell breathed out slowly. "Aye, sir. I'll attend to it.T

When he turned back from passing the order tQ cease fire he found that Bolitho had left the deck?

He saw Stockdale carrying the sword and wiping iU with a scrap of waste, his battered face totalla engrossed in the task. He thought of Tilby's two modeT ships. Like Maulby's sword. Was that all that was left ob a manU

He was still pondering about it when Bacchante'Y topmasts hove in sight and she hoisted her first signal?

It was evening before Sparrow was able to close witN the frigate. For almost as soon as she had workeX clear of the bar the wind veered and gaineX considerably in strength, so that it was necessary tQ use every effort to beat clear of those treacherouY breakers. In open waters again, with the darkenin^ slab of Grand Bahama some five miles abeamB Sparrow reduced sail and hove-to within a cable ob Colquhoun's ship?

As he sat in the crazily tossing gig Bolitho watcheX the frigate and the last signal for him to repair on boarX being hauled down to the deck. It had been hoisted fo_ some time, but like Colquhoun's previous ones, he haX ignored it. Had not even made an acknowledgement?

Spray lanced back from the oars and dashed acrosY his face. It helped to calm him, if only slightly. HiY sorrow was matched by anger, his self-control by a[ eagerness to confront Colquhoun?

The gig turned and rose dizzily on a steep swell, thO bowman almost pitching overboard as he hooked o[ to the chains and made fast?

Bolitho clambered up the frigate's tumblehome, fo_ once ignoring the sea which swirled along the hull as ib

to pluck him away?

Colquhoun was not at the entry port, and the firsU lieutenant said quickly, "By God, sir, I am sorry for whaU happened.T

Bolitho eyed him gravely. "Thank you. The fault waY not of your making.T

Then without another word or a glance at thO swaying side party he strode aft to the cabin?

Colquhoun was standing by the windows, as if hO had not moved since their last encounter. In thO lanterns' yellow glare his face looked stiff anX unsmiling, and when he spoke his tone was like that ob a much older man?

"It took you long enough! How dare you ignore ma signals!T

Bolitho faced him coldly. The anger in Colquhoun'Y voice was as false as his composure, and he saw onO hand twitching badly against his white breeches?

"Your earlier signals were made to Fawn, sir." HO saw him start and continued slowly, "But she waY already in pieces and her people mostly killed in battlO

or drowned when she struck.T

Colquhoun nodded jerkily, his brows tightening as ib he was trying to keep a grip on his emotions?

"That is beside the point. You disobeyed my orders? You crossed the bar without permission. You ...T

Bolitho said, "I did what I considered to be my duty.T It was no use. He could feel his control slipping awaa like an icy yard beneath a topman. "But for your lusU after glory we would have taken the Frenchma[ together, without loss. We had all the advantage, fo_ the enemy knew nothing of your full strength. She waY after one prize only. Sparrow." He turned away, trying tQ hide his grief. "Because of you, Maulby and his me[ were killed, his ship lost. Because of your senselesY rigidity, your failure to see beyond prize money, yof could not help when the time came." He swung rounX again, his voice harsh. "Well, the Frenchman is taken0 What d'you want now, a bloody knighthood?T

Surprisingly, Colquhoun's voice was very low, and aY he spoke he kept his eyes on some point away froR Bolitho?

"I will ignore your outburst." He paused. "Ah, ]

remember now, you have young Fowler aboard. IU would have done no good to lose him in battle." HO was speaking more quickly, the disjointed sentenceY falling from his lips in time with his thoughts. "ThO admiral will expect a full report. I shall .?

Bolitho watched him, sickened. "I have the writte[ orders you originally gave me. The ones which were tQ send me as far from the point of attack as you coulX invent." Despite Colquhoun's pathetic explanationY and excuses he forced himself to go on. "If I haX obeyed them, or the wind had remained constantB Fawn would still have perished. What would you havO done then? Sent the little Lucifer maybe?T

Colquhoun walked to his desk and pulled a decante_ from its rack. Some of the brandy slopped over hiY hand but he did not seem to notice it?

"I received orders some while back. When we haX run the French flute to ground, or given up the searchB we are ordered to proceed to New York. The flotilla iY to be reduced." He swallowed half a glass of branda and had to fight to regain his breath. "Bacchante wilT be returned to fleet duties.T

Bolitho stared at him. Any compassion or pity hO

might have harboured behind his anger was gone witN that admission?

In a low tone he asked, "All this while, and you kne/ we were to go to New York?" He listened to his ow[ voice, wondering how he could sound so calm. "Yof thought it was a last chance to prove yourself. A greaU show of victory, with you entering port, a fine fat prizO under your colours! Yet because of your greed yof could not see the real danger, and Fawn has paiX dearly for your ignorance!T

Colquhoun lifted his eyes and watched hiR desperately?

"In New York things might seem different? Remember, I was the one who helped you . . ." HO broke off and swallowed another drink. "I needed thaU prize! I've earned it!T

Bolitho moved towards the door, keeping his eyeY on Colquhoun's quivering shoulders?

He said, "I sent Fawn's remaining lieutenant to takO charge of the flute. Surrender was arranged ba Lieutenant Heyward." He made himself keep to thO details, if only to stop Colquhoun from pleading. "ThO

French ship'll not be much use again. I suggest yof send your marines to take charge and await thO military, who'll wish to escort the prisoners elsewhere.T

Colquhoun leaned against the stern windows, hiY voice muffled by the sounds of sea and rudder?

"It will mean a court martial." His shoulders stiffened? "You will be ordered to attend.T

Bolitho nodded. "It would seem so.T

Colquhoun waved one hand towards the cabi[ without turning?

"All this gone. In just a moment of baX circumstances. Fate.T

"Maulby probably thought that, too." Bolitho resteX his fingers on the door?

Colquhoun pushed himself from the windows anX lurched across the cabin?

"So you've won in the end, eh?" His voice cracked? "You and your bloody Sparrow!T

Bolitho saw the man's anguish and answeredB

"Three years ago when I was given Sparrow I thoughU command was everything, all a man could desire. The[ maybe I would have agreed with your decisions, nQ matter what they entailed. Now I know better, perhapY after all, thanks to you. Command is one thing. BuU responsibility, the duty to those who depend on you, iY the greater burden. We must share the guilt fo_ Maulby's death." He saw Colquhoun staring at hiR incredulously but continued, "Your folly blinded you tQ everything but future advancement. My crime waY pride. A pride which goaded the enemy into laying Z snare for me, and one which cost Fawn's peoplO dearly." He opened the door. "I hope I never forget it? Nor you.T

He walked quickly to the quarterdeck and heard thO door slam behind him, the slap of a musket as thO sentry returned to a more relaxed stance?

By the gangway he found the first lieutenant waitin^ for him. Across the heaving water, its crests anX troughs already painted with shadows, he sa/ Sparrow swaying unsteadily against the first pale stars? A lantern gleamed from her taffrail, and he thought hO saw the splash of oars to mark where Stockdale helX the gig in readiness. He could have waited in vain? Colquhoun might have made one last gesture ba

throwing him under arrest for his outburst. That he haX not was proof enough of his true guilt?

More, that Colquhoun was well aware of what he haX done?

He said, "We are to rejoin the Flag at New York.T

The lieutenant watched the gig bobbing towards thO side and replied sadly, "I'll not be sorry to quit thiY place.T

Bolitho sighed. "Aye. A defeat is a bad business? But a victory can often bring the greater pain.T

The lieutenant watched him climb into the gig anX pull clear?

So young, yet with so much responsibility. Not fo_ me. Even as the thought crossed his mind he knew iU was a lie, and upon looking round the darkening dec7 he wondered if Colquhoun's error had brought him ana nearer to his own promotion?

13 NO BETTER EPITAPa

ALMOST immediately after dropping anchor at Sanda Hook, Sparrow and her company were thrown into thO urgent work of a short but well-deserved overhaul? Under the wintry eye of a senior dockyard officer thO ship was careened and the thick growth of weed cuU and cleaned from her hull. Bolitho was able to senX Lock ashore, and with more careful bribes obtaineX fresh provisions as well as replacements for some ob the fouler casks of beef and pork?

In the midst of all this activity, which continued froR dawn to dusk, he was occasionally visited by Z scholarly lieutenant of the Commander-in-Chief's staff? He took statements from Bolitho and Tyrrell anX compared them with notations in the log at the time ob Fawn's destruction, as well as those leading up to thO actual attack. Buckle was required to display anX explain each section of the charts used, and waY instantly reduced to mumbling confusion under thO lieutenant's skilful examination. But as one daa followed the next, and Sparrow regained her originaT trim appearance, the bitter memories of Fawn's lossB even the display of hot anger in Colquhoun's cabinB became blurred, if riot erased from Bolitho's mind?

He had been kept continuously busy with the affairY of his ship, never knowing for sure when his nexU

orders would arrive, and had spent any sparO moments studying the wider aspects of the war o[ land. When the summons to appear at a court martiaT was delivered to him, it came as something like Z shock?

Three weeks had gone by since he had confronteX Colquhoun in Bacchante's cabin and almost every daa had been occupied with incident and activity?

Only certain details still stood out with stark clarity i[ his mind. The picture of slaughter and desolation o[ Fawn's shattered deck. Maulby's face, the flieY crawling over his contorted features. Young Heyward'Y obvious pride at being given the task of receiving thO Frenchman's surrender, and the Fawn's one survivin^ officer who had gone to take charge of the enemy untiT the marines arrived. Maulby's lieutenant had been likO a man coming out of the shadow of death itself. HiY movements disjointed, his face stricken from the sightY and sounds he had endured?

On the morning of the court martial Bolitho stood o[ Sparrow's quarterdeck with Tyrrell and Buckle, awarO of the many watching eyes, of his men, and those o[ nearby ships at anchor?

Tyrrell shifted his leg and muttered, "I may be calleX as witness, but by God I feel like a guilty man!T

Bolitho watched the gig moving towards the entra port, and noticed that Stockdale and the oarsmen werO dressed in their best clothes. Conscious, too, of thiY moment perhaps?

As well they might, he thought grimly. It waY Colquhoun's day, but it was not unknown for a drownin^ man to drag others down with him?

He shifted his gaze to the old seventy-four which laa some three cables distant. The Parthian, where he haX been given his instructions for rescuing the soldierY and General Blundell's bullion from the Delaware. Ho/ long ago it seemed now. An eternity?

The gig made fast and Tyrrell said abruptly, "ThaU bastard deserves to hang!T

Bolitho followed the others to the entry port, tryin^ once again to find his true feelings. It was difficult to gQ on hating Colquhoun. His weakness had perhaps bee[ too human, which made it harder to condemn after thO first anger had passed?

As eight o'clock came and the bells chimed froR

each anchored ship-of-war, a solitary gun crashed ouU from the Parthian's side, and the court martial Jac7 broke simultaneously from her gaff. It was time?

Graves stood with the rigid side party, his facO expressionless as they climbed into the gig. He waY not implicated, and Bolitho wondered if he saw hiY chances of promotion reflected in the court martial flag?

Once through Parthian's gilded entry port and pasU the marine guard and assembled band, Bolitho felt Z rising sense of disgust. The two-decker's quarterdec7 was thronged with visitors. Senior officers, some ob them military, several prosperous-looking civilians anX a solitary artist gave the impression of a carefreO outing rather than a trial. The artist, a bearded, intenU little man, busied himself from every angle, makin^ quick sketches, dotting in detail of uniform or titleB hardly pausing between each capture?

He saw Bolitho and hurried between the chatterin^ throng, his pad already poised in readiness?

"Ali, good sir! Captain Bolitho?" The pencil hovereX and then darted down. "I am so glad to see you at last? I have heard much of your exploits." He paused anX smiled shyly. "I wish I could have been aboard you_

ship to take sketches. The people at home need to bO told ...T

Tyrrell murmured, "For Christ's sake!T

A master-at-arms opened a door and the visitorY began to filter aft towards the great cabin. Left isolateX and ill at ease in their best uniforms, the witnesseY remained on the quarterdeck?

Bolitho said quietly, "At some other time maybe.T

He turned his head to watch a marine captain witN drawn sword marching aft to the cabin. Just the sight ob it made him feel sick. The grim array. Like the crowdY at Tyburn, or the jeering fools who stood for hours tQ watch some wretch choking out his life on a villagO gibbet?

The artist's smile faded. "I understand. I thought ... T

Bolitho replied, "I know what you thought. That I'd bO pleased to see a man fall from office!" He did not hidO his contempt?

"That, too." The artist's eyes flickered in the sunlighU as he made a quick alteration to his sketch. "I alsQ imagined you might see your future made stronger ba

this man's disgrace." He shrugged as Bolitho turneX on him angrily. "That I am wrong on both counts makeY me a fool, and you an even better man than they saa you are?

Bolitho looked at him sadly. "What they say will counU for little today.T

A lieutenant called, "This way, gentlemen.T

They followed him in order of seniority and filed intQ the ship's wardroom?

The artist passed quickly and vanished towards thO great cabin as Tyrrell growled, "God, what iY happening to us? Will they make pictures of th' Day ob Judgement, too?T

All morning the wearing business went on? Witnesses were called and evidence mounted. FactuaT and hearsay, technical or just plain imagination, iU seemed to take an eternity to get it down in writing? There were occasional pauses for refreshment and tQ allow the visitors to stretch their legs on thO quarterdeck?

Throughout the whole morning Bolitho hardly spoke? Around him, their faces displaying either confidence o_

uncertainty, the rest of the witnesses waited their turn? Odell off the schooner Lucifer, his quick, agitateX movements only adding to the tension. Bacchante'Y first lieutenant and sailing master. Fawn's survivin^ lieutenant and a blinded seaman who had stooX beside Maulby when he had been struck down?

In seniority, or as their value directed, the witnesseY dwindled until only Bolitho and Tyrrell remained? Through the open ports Bolitho saw boats plyin^ between the ships and the shore, the haze of smokO from a nearby spit of sand where a man was burnin^ driftwood?

It was stiflingly hot. The first day of May. He pictureX what it would be like at home. In Falmouth. SometimeY he thought he would never see it again. Tiny pale dotY of sheep on the hills and headland. Noisy cows in thO lane below the house, always inquisitive as thea passed the gates, as if they had never seen theR before. And in the town square, where the coacheY loaded up for Plymouth or the horses were changed fo_ another route to the west, there would be plenty ob laughter and good cheer. For if the war was a threatB so, too, was winter, and that was well behind them untiT the next time. Now, the fishermen could put to sea i[ safety, and the fields and markets would show thO

evidence of their labours and rewards?

"Mr. Tyrrell." The lieutenant held the door open. "ThiY way.T

Tyrrell picked up his hat and looked at him. "Soo[ now, sir." Then Bolitho was alone?

It did not take very long. Tyrrell's evidence was purela factual and concerned the times of crossing the ba_ and commencing the attack. In all events, he waY obeying orders. He was safe?

When his call came Bolitho followed the lieutenanU into the cabin without remembering hearing his namO announced?

It was packed with seated figures, and right aftB behind a table which reached almost from side to sideB he saw the officers of the court. In the centre, aY President, was Sir Evelyn Christie, flanked by te[ captains of varying status and seniority, none of whoR was known to Bolitho?

Rear-Admiral Christie eyed him bleakly. "Your swor[ statement has been read and submitted in evidence.T

He sounded clipped and formal, so that Bolitho waY

suddenly reminded of their last meeting. The differencO almost amounted to hostility?

"We have heard of the plan to take the flute, of thO events leading to her discovery, including evidencO given by Lucifer's captain and that of your ow[ officers." He paused and ruffled through some papers? "In your statement you said that you had advised you_ senior officer against a cutting-out expedition of thO kind which was eventually employed?T

Bolitho cleared his throat. "I thought that under thO circumstances ...T

The nearest captain snapped, "Yes or no!T

"Yes." Bolitho kept his eyes on the admiral. "I gavO my opinion?

The admiral leaned back slowly. "The accused haY already stated that is not the case. He gave you you_ orders only after you had insisted that your ship woulX be better placed to the north of the Bank.T

In the sudden silence Bolitho could feel his hearU pounding like a hammer. He wanted to turn his heaX and look at Colquhoun, but knew that any such attempU would be immediately seen as guilt?

The senior captain at the table said abruptly, "WerO there any witnesses as to what occurred when thesO decisions were reached?T

Bolitho faced him. "Only Commander Maulby, sir,T

"I see.T

Bolitho felt the cabin closing in around him, saw thO nearest faces watching him like a row of greedy birds?

The admiral sighed. "I will continue. After leaving thO other vessels you proceeded towards your allotteX station.T

"Yes, sir.T

The admiral looked up with a jerk. "Then why did yof cross the bar?" He slapped one hand on the papersB bringing a mingled gasp from the spectators. "Was iU guilt? Did you at last realise that Captain Colquhou[ was right and that he needed your support in thO south?T

"No, sir." He could feel his hands shaking, the sweaU like ice-rime between his shoulders. "I have stated ma reasons. We lost the wind, I had no option but to tac7

when I did." Pictures flashed through his mind likO parts of a nightmare. Heyward, ashamed at losin^ control of the ship. Buckle, doubtful and anxious for he_ safety as he had told him his intentions. He hearX himself add quietly, "Commander Maulby was ma friend.T

The senior member of the court regarded him flatly? "Really?T

Bolitho turned his head and saw Colquhoun for thO first time. He was shocked to see the change in him? He was very pale, and in the reflected light his skin waY the texture of wax. He was standing with his arms limS at his sides, his body moving only slightly to the gentlO tilt of the deck. But his eyes were the worst part. Thea were fixed on Bolitho's face, on his mouth when hO spoke, and shone with such incredible hatred thaU Bolitho exclaimed, "Tell them the truth!T

Colquhoun made as if to step forward, but hiY escort, the marine captain, touched his arm and hO relaxed again?

The admiral snapped, "That will do, Captain Bolitho0 I'll have no exchanges in this court!T

The senior captain coughed discreetly anX continued, "The rest we know. The French deceptionB and your destruction of their flute, all of which is abovO criticism. Despite obvious dangers you managed tQ rescue some of Fawn's company, and several of he_ wounded are now alive and recovering, thanks to you_ efforts.T

Bolitho watched him emptily. He had done his dutyB but the lies already told by Colquhoun about hiY character, and his statement which only Maulby coulX confirm, made a mockery of it. He looked down aU Colquhoun's sword on the table. His own might hO there soon. He found he cared little about that, but thO slur on his name he could not bear?

The admiral looked around the crowded cabin. "] think we have heard enough before we withdrawB gentlemen?T

Bolitho swayed. A long lunch. More delays. It waY torture?

Like most of those present he jerked round as Z chair at the rear of the court went over with a louX clatter?

A husky voice shouted, "No, dammee, I won't keeS still! In God's name, I've given me eyes for the King0 Ain't I allowed to speak the truth?T

The admiral rasped, "Keep silent there! Or I will calT the officer of the guard!T

But it was no use. Most of the visitors were on thei_ feet, all talking and shouting at once. Bolitho saw thaU some had even climbed on to their chairs to see whaU was happening behind them?

The admiral sat speechless, while the rest of thO court waited for him to carry out his threat?

The voices died away, and the crowded figureY parted to allow the small artist to come aft to the table? He was leading the seaman who had been blindeX aboard Fawn and who had already stated briefly whaU he knew of the preparations to cut the cable anX escape the French artillery?

Now, in his ragged trousers and borrowed blue coatB with his head tilted as if to sniff out those nearest himB he approached the table?

The admiral said gravely, "Very well, Richards." HO waited for the people to sit down again. "What is thiY

you wish to say?T

The seaman reached out and gripped the edge ob the table, his bandaged eyes trained above thO admiral's head?

"I were there, sir. Right there on th' quarterdeck witN Cap'n Maulby!T

Nobody moved or spoke except the blind seama[ named Richards?

Bolitho watched his hand as it moved vaguely in thO air, saw his chest heaving as he relived those lasU terrible moments?

He said huskily, "The Frogs had our measure, sir? We was all but dismasted an' with more'n half ou_ brave lads cut down.T

The senior captain made as if to interrupt but thO admiral's gold-laced cuff froze him to stillness?

"Th' sweeps was shot away, but all th' time Cap'[ Maulby was shoutin' and cussin' in his same old style.T Beneath the stiff bandage the man's mouth twisted in Z smile. "An' he could cuss when given occasion, sir.T The smile faded. "I were quartermaster an' alone at thd

wheel. The master was down an' so was my mate, botN killed. The first lieutenant were below havin' his arm offB an' it was then that th' cap'n turns to me an' cries, `GoX damn that Colquhoun, Richards! He's done for us thiY day!"' His head drooped and his fingers slipped froR the table as he repeated brokenly, "That's what hO said. He's done for us this day.T

The admiral asked quietly, "And then whaU happened?T

Richards waited for a few moments to composO himself. Still nobody moved or even whispered? Beyond the stern windows the wheeling gulls seemeX too loud to be real?

Then he said, "Mr. Fox, th' second lieutenant, haX just gone forrard, I think to seek some men for thd pumps. Several balls from th' Frog guns ashore camO inboard an' killed Mr. Midshipman Vasey. He were onla fourteen but a good lad when he put his mind to it? When he fell, th' cap'n shouts to me, If Richard BolithQ was with us today as he wanted to be, then by GoX wed show 'em, artillery or no.!"d

The admiral snapped. "Are you absolutely certainU He said those very words?T

Richards nodded his head. "Aye, sir. I'm not likely tQ forget 'em. For it was then that we was hit again and thd cro'jack yard came down to th' deck. It took Cap'[ Maulby with it. He never even cried out." He noddeX again, very slowly. "He were a good cap'n, even if hO did cuss more'n most.T

"I see." The admiral glanced at his senior captain? Then he asked, "Do you recall anything more?T

"We struck th' reef, sir. Th' mizzen come down an' Z bloody swivel, beggin' your pardon, sir, exploded on thd rail and took away me sight. I don't remember mucN else till I come-to aboard th' Sparrow.T

"Thank you." The admiral gestured to a marinO orderly. "I will see that you are taken care of.T

Richards groped up to knuckle his forehead anX then said, "Thankee, sir. I hopes you'll forgive me, but ] had to speak me piece.T

He was guided between the watching faces, and aY the cabin door closed a slow murmur began to gro/ like combined anger?

The admiral snapped, "I will not order you to bO

silent again!T

"Surely you're not going to believe that lying hound?T Colquhoun's voice was shrill. "That ... that ... half-wit.T

The marine captain stepped forward to restrain hiR but faltered as the admiral said calmly, "Pray continueB Captain Colquhoun.T

"Oh, I knew about Bolitho and Maulby all right! AY thick as thieves!" Colquhoun had turned slightly, hiY arms outstretched as if to embrace the court. "And ] was well aware that Bolitho wanted all the glory fo_ himself. That was why I sent him to the north and gavO Maulby the chance to prove himself." He was speakin^ very rapidly, and his face was shining with sweat, "] saw through Bolitho's little game from the start, whicN was why he tried to condemn me. I knew he wanted tQ take the Frenchman for himself without giving me timO to take up my proper attacking station. An attac7 overland and with boats indeed!" He stopped, his ja/ hanging open with astonishment?

The admiral said coldly, "So he did not agree witN your plan of attack, Captain Colquhoun? You_ testimony was a lie?T

Colquhoun turned and stared at him, his mouth stilT open, as if he had just been struck by a pistol ball anX was beginning to feel its first searing agony?

"I-I . . ." He reeled away from the table. "I only wanteX .. he could not go on?

"March the accused out, Captain Reece!T

Bolitho watched Colquhoun as he lurched past thO assembled officers, his gait less steady than the blinX seaman's had been. It was incredible. Yet despite whaU had just happened he could sense neither release no_ satisfaction. Shame, pity, he did not know what hO really felt?

"You may stand down, Captain Bolitho." The admiraT eyed him calmly. "It will be placed on record that yof and your people acted and behaved in the besU traditions of the Service." He turned to the cabin aU large. "Court will reassemble in two hours. That is all.T

Outside the stuffy cabin it felt like a different world? Faces swam around him, hands gripped him, anX many voices called greetings and congratulations?

Tyrrell and Odell, with Buckle bringing up the rearB managed to guide him to a quieter part of the uppe_

deck to await their respective boats. Bolitho saw thO small artist and strode across to him?

"Thank you for what you did." He held out his hand. "] was hard on you earlier." He looked round. "Where iY that man Richards? I would like to thank him, too. IU took true courage to act as he did.T

"He's already gone across to a transport, Captain. ] asked him to wait, but . . ." He shrugged sadly?

Bolitho nodded. "I understand. Here we all areB congratulating ourselves, while he has nothing to loo7 forward to and no eyes to see what awaits him either.T

The little man smiled, his gaze on Bolitho's face, aY if seeking to discover something?

"My name is Majendie. I would like to speak with yof again.T

Bolitho clapped him on the shoulder, forcing a smile?

"Then join me in my ship. If we must wait two hoursB then I'd rather do it where I have a sense of freedom.T

The court assembled at the exact momenU prescribed, and Bolitho found he was barely able tQ

take his eyes from Colquhoun's sword. It was pointeX towards him, the hilt on the opposite side of the table?

The senior captain's voice was lost, too, in hiY confused thoughts and memories. He heard fragmentY like "hazarding the lives of men under your commandB the ships used at your direction." And later: " ... did laa false evidence to smear the name of a King's office_ and thereby bring discredit on this court." There was Z lot more, but Bolitho heard other voices intermingleX with the cold summing-up. Maulby, Tyrrell, eve[ Bethune, they were all in it. And above all, the blinX seaman, Richards. He were a good cap'n. Surely therO was no better epitaph for any manU

He jerked from his thoughts as the admiral saidB "The sentence is that you be dismissed your ship anX be confined under close arrest until such time you maa be transported to England.T

Colquhoun stared at the grave-faced officers anX then at his sword?

Dismissed his ship. Bolitho looked away. Thea should have hanged him. It would have been kinder?

A voice broke the silence, "Prisoner and escortB

quick march!T

It was over?

As the orderlies ushered the chattering spectatorY towards the quarterdeck, Rear-Admiral Christie camO round the table and held out his hand?

"Well done, Bolitho." He shook Bolitho's hanX warmly. "I have great hopes for young officers of you_ cut." He saw Bolitho's uncertainty and smiled. "IU grieved me to treat you as I did. But I had to have you_ name cleared of that slur. Right or wrong, it would havO marked you for the rest of your service." He sigheX wearily. "Only Colquhoun could do it, and it took poo_ Richards to spark the flint.T

"Yes, sir. I see that now.T

The admiral picked up his hat and studied it?

"Come ashore with me tonight. The Governor iY holding a reception. A ghastly business, but it does nQ harm to see 'em enjoying themselves." He seemed tQ sense Bolitho's mood. "Take it as an order!T

"Thank you, Sir Evelyn.T

Bolitho watched him as he walked to his adjoinin^ cabin. An invitation ashore. The admiral could just aY easily have sentenced him to ignominy, if fate had noU stepped in to aid him?

He let out a long breath. When did you ever cease tQ learn about such complex mattersU

Then he strode out to look for his gig amongst thO many boats alongside?

The reception that evening proved to be even morO breath-taking and unnerving than Bolitho had imagineX it could be. As he handed his hat to a bewigged NegrQ footman and waited for Rear-Admiral Christie tQ exchange a few words with another flag officer, hO stared up and around the great pillared hall, at thO teeming throng of colourful figures who seemed to filT every inch of floor space and a handsome balcony aY well. The scarlet coats of the military were very much i[ the majority, interspersed with velvets and brocades ob their ladies, the familiar blue of sea-officers, althougN Bolitho noted with some alarm that most of the latte_ appeared to be admirals of one sort or another. MarinO officers, too, their white facings and silver buttonY distinguishing them from the soldiers, and so mana civilians it was a wonder that New York had not comO

to a standstill. Along one side there were alcoveY where Negro footmen and servants were kept busy aU long tables, the contents of which were enough tQ make Bolitho think he was dreaming. The nation waY at war, yet those tables were groaning under the weighU of food and delicacies of every kind. Meats and hugO portions of pie, tempting fruits and a glittering array ob silver punch-bowls which were being refilled even aY he watched?

Christie rejoined him and murmured, "Take a gooX look at em, Bolitho. A man needs to know whom he iY serving, as well as his cause!" ?

A footman in green livery met them at the top of thO marble stairs, and after a cursory glance addresseX the assembled guests in a voice which would havO fitted a foretopman in a gale. "Sir Evelyn ChristieB Knight of the Bath, Rear-Admiral of the Red." He diX not bother to announce Bolitho, probably taking him aY a mere aide, or some dependent relative?

Not that it mattered. There was no break in the tidO of laughter and conversation, and hardly anyboda turned to examine the newcomers?

Christie moved nimbly through the fringe of thO

crowd, nodding to a face here, pausing to pat a sleevO or bow to a lady there. It was hard to see him in his rolO that morning. President of the court. Answerable tQ nobody when he passed his sentence?

Bolitho followed the admiral's slight figure until thea reached a table at the far end of the hall. Beyond it anX the perspiring footmen a doorway opened on to Z great lawn, where he could see a fountain shining i[ the reflected glow of lanterns?

"Well?" Christie waited until each had a heava goblet in his hand. "What do you make of 'em?T

Bolitho turned to study the press of figures by thO alcove, hearing the strings of some invisible orchestrZ as they joined in a lively quadrille. How anyone coulX find room to dance he could not imagine?

"It's like a fairyland, sir.T

Christie regarded him with amusement. "Foolsd paradise is a better description!T

Bolitho tasted the wine. Like the goblet, it waY perfect. He relaxed slightly. The question had put hiR on guard, but the admiral's comment had shown thaU he had no intention of testing him?

Christie added, "A town under siege, and we musU accept that is the true position here, is always unreal. IU is crammed with refugees and tricksters, merchantY out for quick profit who care little for which side thea trade with. And as always in a campaign of any sizeB there are two armies.T

Bolitho watched him, momentarily forgetting thO noise and bustle around him, the despair and anxieta of the morning. As he had believed from the firstB Christie's austere appearance hid a rapier-sharS mind. A brain which could sift and examine eacN challenge and problem, discarding everything that waY superfluous?

"Two armies, sir?T

The admiral signalled for fresh goblets. "Drink you_ fill. You'll not find wine like this elsewhere. Yes, we havO the military who daily face the enemy, search out hiY weakness or try to contain his attacks. Soldiers whQ live on their feet. Know nothing of clean beds or gooX food." He smiled sadly. "Like those you saved i[ Delaware Bay. Real soldiers.T

"And the others?T

Christie grimaced. "Behind every great army there iY the organisation." He gestured towards the crowd? "The military government, the secretariat, and thO traders who live off the fighting like leeches.T

Bolitho eyed the swaying figures outside the alcovO with growing uncertainty. He had always mistrusteX people of the sort described, but it seemed impossiblO that it was all so blatant, so dishonest as the admiraT had said. And yet ... he thought of the cheerfulB chattering visitors at the court martial. Spectators to Z man's disgrace, but seeing it only as something tQ break the boredom of their own world?

Christie watched him thoughtfully. "God alone knowY how this war will end. We are fighting too mana enemies, over too vast a span of the world to hope fo_ some spectacular victory. But you, and those like youB must be warned if we are to have any chance ob honour, let alone mastery over our adversaries.T

The wine was very strong, and the heat of the halT helped to break Bolitho's caution?

"But, Sir Evelyn, surely here in New York, after all thaU has happened since the rebellion, they must be awarO of the true facts?T

He shrugged, a weary gesture. "The general staff iY too busy with its own affairs to retain much concern fo_ what is happening here. And the Governor, if we maa call him so, spends so much time in chasing gidda young girls and enjoying his mounting riches, that hO has no wish to alter matters. He was once an arma quartermaster, therefore an accomplished thief, and iY ably supported by a Lieutenant Governor who waY originally a customs officer in a city which waY renowned only for its smuggling!" He chuckled. "SQ between them they have tied this place into a bag fo_ their own booty. No merchant or shipmaster can ente_ or leave without permits, from which our leaders reap Z rich profit. New York is crammed with refugees, and thO Governor decided that city, church and college moneyY should be gathered into a fund for their relief.T

Bolitho frowned. "Surely that was in good faith?T

"Maybe. But most of it has been squandered away? Balls and dances, receptions such as this, misses anX whores, hangers-on and favourites. It all takes a greaU deal of money and support.T

"I see.T

In fact he did not. When he thought of his ship, thO

daily risk of injury and death with little comfort or reliefB the manner in which every fighting man was facing Z determined enemy, he was appalled?

Christie said, "To me duty stands before all else. ] would hang anyone who acted otherwise. But these . ? ." he did not hide his contempt, "these maggotY deserve no loyalty. If we must fight a war, we shoulX also ensure they have no gain from our sacrifice!T

Then he smiled, the sudden relaxing of the lineY around his eyes and mouth altering him yet again?

"There, Bolitho, you have learned the next lessonB eh? First you command respect, then a ship. Next yof achieve control of more and larger vessels. That is thO way of ambition, without which no officer is worth a weU fuse to me.T

He yawned. "Now I must be off." He held up onO hand. "But you remain and continue your education.T

"Will you not stay to meet the Governor, sir?T

Something like panic at the thought of being lefU abandoned made him show his inner feelings?

Christie smiled cheerfully "Nobody will meet hiR

tonight. He merely holds these affairs to pay off olX debts and to keep his pot aboiling." He beckoned to Z footman. "So enjoy yourself. You have earned itB although I daresay you'd wish rather for London, eh?T

Bolitho grinned. "Not London, sir.T

"Ah, of course." The admiral watched the footma[ approaching with his hat and boatcloak. "A son of thO soil. I forgot." Then with a nod he moved through thO door to merge quickly with the deep shadows on thO lawn?

Bolitho found an empty corner at the end of the tablO and tried to decide what he should eat. He had to havO something, for the wine was doing its work well. He felU unusually light-headed, although he knew that drin7 was not entirely to blame. By leaving him to fend fo_ himself the admiral had momentarily cut the strings ob control. He had given him his head to act and think aY he wanted. He could not recall it ever happening likO this before?

A thickset post-captain, his face blotchy with heaU and good wine, thrust past him and carved a hugO piece of pie, adding several other sorts of cold meat tQ his plate before any footman could assist him. BolithQ

thought of Bethune. The plate would have satisfieX even his appetite for several days?

The senior captain turned and focused his eyes o[ him?

"Ah. What ship?T

"Sparrow, sir." Bolitho watched him squinting as if tQ clear his vision?

"Never heard of her." He frowned. "What's yer nameB eh?T

"Richard Bolitho, sir.T

The captain shook his head. "Never heard of yof either." He ambled back into the crowd, brushing somO of the meat against a pillar without even pausing?

Bolitho smiled. In these surroundings you soon founX a proper awareness of your status?

"Why, Captain!"The voice made him swing round. "IU is! I just knew it was you!T

Bolitho stared at the girl for several seconds withouU recognition. She was dressed in a beautiful, low-cuU

gown, the colour of tawny port wine, and her hair, whicN hung in ringlets across her bare shoulders, shonO beneath the chandeliers like silk?

He exclaimed, "Miss Hardwicke! I did not know yof were here, in America.T

He felt as foolish as he sounded, but her sudde[ appearance had caught him entirely aback. She waY lovely, more so than he remembered since that far-ofb day. When she had defied her uncle, General BlundellB had shouted and kicked as his seamen had carrieX her bodily from the Indiaman before his fight with thO Bonaventure?

And yet she was exactly the same. The smile, halb amused, partly mocking. The violet eyes whicN seemed to strip away his defences and leave him likO some inarticulate ploughman?

She turned to the tall officer at her side, wearing Z frogged jacket of the dragoons, and said, "He was sQ young, so serious, I think all the ladies on board fell i[ love with the poor man.T

The dragoon eyed Bolitho coldly. "I think we musU hurry, Susannah. I would wish you to meet the general.T

She reached out and laid a white-gloved hand o[ Bolitho's sleeve?

"It is good to see you again! I have often thoughU about you and your little ship." Her smile faded and shO became suddenly serious. "You look well, Captain? Very well. A little older perhaps. A little less . . ." thO smile crept back again, "of the boy dressed as a manU T

He flushed, but was conscious of pleasure to matcN his confusion?

"Well, I suppose ...T

But she was already turning away as two morO escorts pushed from the jostling crowd to join her?

Then she seemed to make up her mind?

"Will you dine with me, Captain?" She studied hiR thoughtfully. "I will send a servant with the invitation.T

"Yes." The words came out in a rush. "I would likO that very much. Thank you.T

She gave a mock curtsy, bringing back the memora of their first meeting like a stab in the heart?

"Then it is settled.T

The crowd eddied and swayed and seemed tQ swallow her up completely?

Bolitho took another goblet and walked unsteadila towards the lawn. Susannah, the dragoon had calleX her. It was perfect for her?

He stopped beside the tinkling fountain and stareX at it for several minutes. The reception had turned ouU to be a success after all, and made the morning seeR just a blurred memory?

14 JOIN THE LADIES

THREE DAYS after the Governor's reception thO Sparrow was to all intents ready for sea again. BolithQ had carried out a careful inspection, and under Lock'Y anxious scrutiny had signed the final manifest fo_ stores and supplies. The last days had been unevenU ful, almost lazy, and Bolitho found it easier tQ understand, if not share, New York's apparent lethargy? It was an unreal existence, with the war seen only at thO end of a marching column of soldiers, or in somO

colourful account on the news-sheets?

The flotilla's other surviving sloop, Heron, haX recently dropped anchor at Sandy Hook, and was no/ waiting hopefully for a similar overhaul?

On this particular forenoon Bolitho sat in his cabi[ enjoying a glass of good claret with Heron'Y commander, Thomas Farr. The latter had been Z lieutenant at their last meeting, but Maulby's death haX given him a well-deserved promotion. He was elderla for his rank, probably ten years or so older tha[ himself, Bolitho decided. A big, broad-shouldereX man, uncouth, and with a ripe turn of phrase whicN reminded him vaguely ofTilby. He had come to hiY present appointment by a roundabout route. Sent tQ sea as a boy of eight years old, he had been i[ merchant service for most of his life. Coasters anX mailpackets, Indiamen and humbler craft, he haX eventually risen to command a collier brig out ob Cardiff. With England embroiled in war he had offereX his services to the Navy and been gratefully accepted? For if his manners and background marked him aparU from many of his brother officers, his experience anX skill in sail put him well ahead of them. ParadoxicallyB Heron was smaller than Sparrow, and like he_ commander had begun life as a merchantman?

Consequently, her armament of fourteen guns was ob lesser size. She had already gathered several gooX prizes, nonetheless?

Farr sprawled untidily on the stern bench and raiseX his glass to the sunlight?

"Bloody fine stuff? Though give me a tankard ob English ale an' you can spit this against a wall!" HO laughed and allowed Bolitho to pour another glass?

Bolitho smiled. How things had changed for all ob them. Looking back to that moment at Antigua when hO had gone to meet Colquhoun it was hard to recall jusU how the years and weeks had affected them aY individuals. Then, as he had looked from Colquhoun'Y window in the headquarters building, he had seen thO flotilla as a whole, had wondered what his ne/ command would be like. So many other doubts anX fears had plagued him on that morning?

Now, Fawn was gone, and Bacchante had saileX only the previous day to rejoin the fleet under Rodney? Her captain had been appointed from the flagship, anX Bolitho wondered if Colquhoun had been able to watcN her clear the anchorage from wherever he was bein^ held in custody?

Only Sparrow and Heron remained now. Apart froR the little schooner Lucifer of course, and she waY almost a rule unto herself. She would stay on her stop1 and-search patrols of small coasting craft, or continuO probing into coves and creeks in search for enema blockade-runners?

Farr watched him comfortably and remarked, "WellB you are doing famously, I hear. Reception with thO mighty, wine with the admiral! By the living JesusB there'll be no saying where you'll end up. Probably o[ some ambassador's staff, with a dozen little girls tQ dance to your tune, eh?" He laughed loudly?

Bolitho shrugged. "Not for me, I have seen enough.T

He thought quickly of the girl. She had not written tQ him. Nor had he seen her, although he had made it hiY business to pass by way of her residence when he haX been ashore on ship's affairs?

It was a fine house, not much smaller than where hO had attended the reception. There had been soldierY at the gates, and he guessed that its owner held somO sort of government appointment. He had tried to telT himself not to be foolish, so naive as to expecU someone of her background to remember him beyonX

a momentary meeting. In Falmouth the Bolitho famila was much respected, its land and property giving wor7 and substance to many. Bolitho's own recent gains i[ prize money had made him feel independent for thO first time in his life, so that he had lost sight of realita when it came to people like Susannah Hardwicke. He_ family probably spent more in a week than he haX earned since taking command of Sparrow. She waY accustomed to travel, even when others were held stilT by war or lack of means. She would know the besU people, and her name would be accepted in any of thO great houses from London to Scotland. He sighed. HO could not see her as the lady of the house in Falmouth? Entertaining ruddy-faced farmers and their wivesB attending local fairs and the rough and tumble of Z community which lived so close to nature?

Farr seemed to sense his mood and asked, "WhaU about the war, Bolitho? Where is it getting us?" HO waved his glass. "Sometimes I get to thinking we wilT go on patrolling an' running after bloody smugglers tilT we die of old age.T

Bolitho stood up and moved restlessly to thO windows. There was plenty of evidence of powe_ nearby. Ships-of-the-line, frigates and all the rest. AnX yet they gave an appearance of waiting. But for whatU

He said. "Cornwallis seems intent on retakin^ Virginia. His soldiers are doing well, I hear.T

"You don't sound too damn confident!T

Bolitho looked at him. "The army is pinched back tQ its lines. They can no longer rely on supplies or supporU by land. Everything must move by sea. It is no way fo_ an army to fight.T

Farr grunted. "Not our concern. You worry too much? Anyway, I think we should leave 'em all to their ow[ games. We should go home an' smash hell out of thO Frogs. The bloody Dons would soon call for peace, and the Dutch have no liking for their so-called allieY anyway. Then we can come back to America an' havO another go at 'em.T

Bolitho smiled. "I fear we would die of old age if wO followed that course.T

He heard a shouted challenge, the scrape of a boaU alongside. He realized that his mind had recorded iU but that he felt at ease, even remote. When he had firsU come aboard there had been neither sound nor evenU which had not caught his immediate attention. PerhapY at last he was accepting his true role?

Graves appeared in the cabin door with a familia_ sealed envelope?

"Guardboat, sir." He darted a glance at Heron'Y commander. "Sailing orders, I expect.T

Bolitho nodded. "Carry on, Mr. Graves. I will inforR you directly.T

The lieutenant hesitated. "This letter was delivereX also, sir.T

It was small, and the handwriting was almost hidde[ by a seal. Office of the Military Government?

As the door closed Farr asked thickly, "Graves? NQ bloody relative of our admiral, I trust!T

Bolitho grinned. With Rodney in the West Indies, anX further restricted by bad health, the command ob American waters came under the flag of Rear-AdmiraT Thomas Graves. Lacking the wisdom of Rodney, thO hard-won respect of Hood, he was looked upon ba most of the fleet's officers as a fair but cautiouY commander. He believed utterly in the rigid rules ob fighting, and had never been known to change one joU of their interpretation. Several senior captains had puU

down suggestions for improving the system ob signalling between ships engaged in close action? Graves had said icily, according to the many storieY circulating amongst the fleet, "My captains know thei_ function. That should be enough for any man.T

Bolitho replied, "No. Perhaps it would be better if hO were. We might know more of what is happening.T

Farr stood up and belched. "Good wine. Bette_ company. I'll leave you to yer sealed orders. If all thO written despatches from all the admirals in the worlX was laced together we'd have enough to cover thO Equator, an' that's a fact! God's teeth, I sometimeY think we choke on paper!T

He shambled out of the cabin, refusing Bolitho'Y offer to see him over the side by saying, "If I can'U manage on me own by now, then it's time I waY weighted with a pair of round-shot and droppeX overboard!T

Bolitho settled down at the table and slit open thO canvas envelope, although his eyes rested mainly o[ the smaller one?

The orders were briefer than usual. Being in alT

respects ready for sea, His Britannic Majesty's Sloop1 of-War Sparrow would weigh and proceed at thO earliest convenience the following day. She would carra out an independent patrol, eastward to Montauk PoinU at the top of Long Island and thence via Block Island tQ the approaches of Newport itself?

He contained his rising excitement with somO difficulty and made himself concentrate on the sparsO requirements of the patrol. He was not to becomO involved with enemy forces other than at his ow[ discretion. His eye rested on the last words. How thea reminded him of Colquhoun. So brief, yet concealin^ the very precariousness of his own position should hO act wrongly?

But here at last was something direct to carry out? Not merely harrying blockade-runners or seeking somO sly privateer. This was French territory. The fringe of thO second greatest sea-power on earth. Beneath the fla^ captain's scrawling signature he saw that Rear1 Admiral Christie had added his own. How typical of thO man. A sign of his trust, and the extent of his arm?

He stood up and rapped on the skylight?

"Midshipman of the watch!T

He saw Bethune's face above him and called, "Ma compliments to the first lieutenant. I would like to seO him at once." He paused. "I thought you were on watcN earlier?T

Bethune dropped his eyes. "Aye, sir. That is true. BuU ...T

Bolitho said quietly, "In future you will take you_ watches as laid down. I suppose Mr. Fowler shoulX have been on duty?T

"I promised him, sir." Bethune looked uneasy. "] owed him a relief.T

"Very well. But remember my orders. I'll have nQ retired officers in this ship!T

He sat down again. He should have noticed whaU was happening. Poor Bethune was no match for thO Fowlers of this world. He smiled in spite of his concern? He was a fine one to talk?

He slit open the second envelope and came up witN a jerk against the table?

My dear Captain. I would be so pleased if you coulX

dine with us this evening. I feel wretched at thiY inexcusable delay and hope for instant forgiveness. AY you read this letter I am watching your ship through ma uncle's telescope. So that I shall not be held i[ suspense, please show yourself?

It was signed, Susannab Hardwicke?

Bolitho stood up and winced as his skull collideX with a deck beam. Pausing only to lock his orders i[ the cabin strongbox, he hurried out of the door and uS the companion ladder. Her uncle's telescope. SQ General Blundell was here, too. It would explain thO sentries at the gates?

But even this fact did not depress him. He almosU collided with Tyrrell as he came limping aft, his armY spattered with grease?

"Sorry I was adrift when you called for me, sir. I waY in th' cable tier.T

Bolitho smiled. "Taking the opportunity of an empta tier to look for rot, eh?T

Tyrrell rubbed his thigh. "Aye. But she's fine. SounX as a bell.T

Bolitho walked to the nettings and shaded his eyeY against the fierce glare. The distant houses werO almost lost in haze, their outlines quivering anX intermingling as it they were melting in the heat?

Tyrrell watched him questioningly. "Somethin^ wrong, sir?T

Bolitho beckoned to Bethune and took hiY telescope. It was no better. The one trained upo[ Sparrow was probably a huge affair. Very slowly hO raised his arm and waved it from side to side?

Behind him Tyrrell and Bethune stood stockstill, eacN as puzzled as the other by the captain's strangO behaviour?

Bolitho turned and saw Tyrrell's face. "Er, I was jusU waving to someone?

Tyrrell looked past him at the anchored ships anX busy harbour craft?

"I see, sir.T

"No you don't, Jethro, but no matter." He clapped hiY shoulder. "Come below and I will tell you what we arO about. You will be in charge of the ship this evening, fo_

I am dining ashore.T

A slow grin spread across the lieutenant's face. "OhB I see, sir!T

They were examining a chart and discussing thO sailing orders when they heard Bethune yell, "AvasU there! Stand still, that man!" Then there was a splasN and more shouts along the gun deck?

Bolitho and Tyrrell hurried to the quarterdeck agai[ to find Bethune and most of the unemployed handY lining the larboard gangway or clinging to the shrouds?

A man was in the water, arms striking out stronglyB his dark hair glossy in the spray and sunlight?

Bethune panted, "It was Lockhart, sir! He diveX overboard before I could stop him!T

Tyrrell murmured, "A good seaman. Never ana trouble. I know him well.T

Bolitho kept his eyes on the swimmer. "A colonist?T

"Aye. Came from New Haven some years back? He's done it now, poor devil." There was no anger i[ Tyrrell's voice. If anything it was pity?

Bolitho heard the men near him exchanging guesseY at the swimmer's success of getting ashore. It was Z long way to go?

He had known many deserters during his life at sea? Often he had found room for sympathy, although he haX thought their actions to be wrong. Few men woulX volunteer for the harsh demands of service in a King'Y ship, especially as nobody ever knew for sure if hO would regain his home in safety. Seaports were full ob those who had returned. Cripples and men made olX before their time in many cases. But as yet, no one haX found a better way of crewing the fleet. Once pressedB most men accepted it, could even be relied upon tQ take others by similar methods. The sailor's old rule, "Ib I'm here, why not him?" carried a lot of weight in ships1 of-war?

But this was different. The seaman, Lockhart, haX seemed nothing out of the ordinary. A good worker anX rarely adrift for his watch or station. Yet all the while hO must have been brooding over his proper homelandB and the stay in New York had done the rest. Even nowB as he thrashed steadily past an anchored two-deckerB he was no doubt thinking only of his goal. Some vaguO mental picture of house and family, or parents who haX

almost forgotten what he looked like?

A faint crack came from the two-decker's beakheadB and Bolitho saw a red-coated marine already rammin^ another ball into his musket for a further shot at the lonO swimmer?

A growl of anger came from Sparrow's seamen? Whatever they thought of the man's desertion, or of thO man himself, had nothing to do with their reaction. HO was one of their own, and the marine sentry waY momentarily an enemy?

Yule, the gunner, muttered, "That damn bulloc7 should be shot down hisself, the bloody bastard!T

The marine did not fire again, but sauntered to thO end of his little platform to watch the swimmer, like Z wildfowler who has given his quarry best for the timO being. Or so it appeared. Then as a guardboat swepU round the stern of another two-decker, Bolitho kne/ why he had not bothered to shoot?

The longboat was moving swiftly, the oars sending iU through the glittering water like a blue fish. In thO sternsheets he saw several marines, a midshipma[ with a raised telescope trained on the seaman?

Yule observed dourly, "'E'll not escape now.T

Tyrrell said, "It's out of our hands.T

"Aye.T

Bolitho felt suddenly heavy, the pleasure of the lette_ spoiled by this man's despair. Nobody who had ru[ from a King's ship could expect mercy. It was to bO hoped he was hanged rather than face the horror ob flogging round the fleet. He chilled. If he was to bO hanged ... He stared up at Sparrow's mainyard, hiY eyes desperate. There was no doubt where thO execution would be carried out. Even Christie woulX make sure of that. An example. A warning clear to alT aboard and throughout the nearby ships. He tried noU to watch the guardboat as it swept down on the tinyB bobbing head?

His own friends, Sparrow's loyal seamen, would bO forced to witness the halter being set around his nec7 before they, and they alone, were ordered to run him uS to the yard. After all they had endured together, thiY sickening act might drive a wedge between officerY and men and destroy what they had achieved?

Tyrrell gasped, "Look, sir!T

Bolitho snatched a glass and trained it beyond thO guardboat. He was just in time to see the manB Lockhart, treading water, turning to stare either at thO boat or perhaps at Sparrow herself. Then, even as thO boat's oars backed water and a marine groped ove_ the stemhead for the man's hair, he threw up his handY and disappeared beneath the surface?

Nobody spoke, and Bolitho found himself holding hiY breath, perhaps like the man who had vanished sQ suddenly. Sailors were usually poor swimmers? Perhaps he had got cramp. In a moment he woulX break surface nearby and the guardboat would hauT him on board. Seconds, minutes passed, and then at Z shouted command the guardboat resumed its leisurela patrol between the anchored ships?

Bolitho said quietly, "I thank God for that. If he had tQ suffer, I am glad it was gently done.T

Tyrrell watched him dully. "That's true." He turned witN sudden anger on the gunner. "Mr. Yule! Clear thesO idlers off th' gangway or I'll find 'em some harder wor7 for their wits to dwell on!T

He was unusually disturbed, and Bolitho wondered ib he was comparing his own fate with that of thO

drowned seaman?

He said, "Make an entry in the log, Mr. Tyrrell.T

"Sir?" Tyrrell faced him grimly. "As a deserter?T

Bolitho looked past him at the seamen as thea wandered towards the gun deck again?

"We do not know for certain he was deserting. Mar7 him as Discharged-Dead." He walked to the hatch? "His relatives will have enough to bear without thO weight of shame also.T

Tyrrell watched him go, his breathing returning slowla to normal. It would not help Lockhart. He was beyonX reach. But Bolitho's order would ensure that his namO carried no stigma, and his loss would be recorded witN those who had fallen in battle, in fights which he haX also suffered without complaint. It was a smalT distinction. But even so, he knew that only BolithQ would have thought of it?

When Bolitho climbed from his gig he was astonisheX to find a smartly painted carriage waiting for him on thO jetty. A liveried Negro doffed his tricorn hat anX beamed hugely?

"Good evenin', Sah." He opened the carriage doo_ with a flourish while Stockdale and the gig's cre/ watched in silent admiration?

Bolitho paused. "Er, do not wait, Stockdale. I wilT return to the ship in a local boat.T

He was strangely elated, and conscious of watchin^ townsfolk on the road above the jetty, an enviouY glance from a passing marine major?

Stockdale touched his hat. "If you says so, sir. I coulX come along with you ...T

"No. I'll have full need of you tomorrow." He felU suddenly reckless and pulled a coin from his pocket? "Here, buy some grog for the gig's crew. But not toQ much for safety's sake, eh?T

He climbed into the coach and sank back againsU the blue cushions as with a jerk the horses took the firsU strain at their harness?

With his hat on his knees he watched the passin^ houses and people, Stockdale, even the shipB temporarily forgotten. Once, when the coach reined tQ a halt to allow a heavy wagon to cross ahead of it, hO heard a faraway murmur of cannon fire. It was a finO

evening, and the steady westerly wind was dry anX warm. Sounds carried easily in such conditions. Eve[ so, it was hard to connect the distant gunfire with thO brightly lit houses, the occasional snatches of musi. and song from taverns along the road. Some arma battery testing its guns perhaps. But more likely Z nervous duel between opposing pickets where the twQ armies lay in watchful readiness?

It did not take long to reach the house, and as hO stepped down from the coach he realised there werO other guests arriving, too. Again he called himself Z fool for imagining he alone would be entertained thiY evening?

Servants glided from the shadows, and like magi. his hat and boatcloak were spirited away?

A footman opened some doors and announcedB "Captain Richard Bolitho of His Britannic Majesty'Y Ship Sparrow.T

How different from the reception, he thought. As hO walked into a fine, high-ceilinged room he waY conscious of comfort and luxury mixed with an air ob intimacy which had been lacking before?

At the end of the room General Sir James BlundelT watched his approach in silence, and then calleX gruffly, "You are an unexpected guest, Bolitho." HiY heavy features yielded slightly. "My niece told me ob your arrival." He thrust out his hand. "You are welcomO here.T

The general had changed very little. Heavie_ perhaps, but otherwise the same man. In one hand hO was holding a brandy glass, and Bolitho was remindeX of his stay aboard Sparrow, of his obvious contempU for the men who had carried him to safety?

Something of their first meeting must have circulateX amongst his friends, for upon Blundell's show ob greeting the room came alive again with laughter anX noisy conversation. It was as if they had all bee[ waiting to see how Blundell would react. Bolitho's ow[ feelings were of course unimportant. He could alwayY be told to leave?

Bolitho felt the girl's hand on his arm and turned tQ find her smiling up at him. With a nod to her uncle shO steered him towards the other side of the room, thO guests moving aside for her as if she were royalty?

She said, "I saw you today. Thank you for coming.T

She patted his cuff. "I thought you were splendid jusU now. Uncle can be rather troublesome.T

Bolitho returned her smile. "I think I can appreciatO that. After all, he lost a great deal of bullion because ob me.T

She wrinkled her nose. "I have no doubt he will havO recovered it by insurance elsewhere." She gestured tQ a servant. "Some wine before dinner.T

"Thank you.T

He saw several officers, mostly military, watchin^ him intently. Envy, resentment, curiosity, it was all there?

She said, "Sir James is Adjutant General now. ] came out here with him after our return to England.T She watched his face as he sipped the wine. "I aR glad I came. England is full of woe because of the war.T

Bolitho tore his mind from what she had just said ob her uncle. Christie had already spoken scathingla about the Governor and his assistant. With BlundelT involved in controlling the city, there seemed little hopO of improvement?

As the girl turned to curtsy to a white-haired man anX

his lady he let his eyes devour her as if seeing her fo_ the last time. The curve of her neck as she bowed tQ her guests, the way her hair seemed to float across he_ bared shoulders. It was beautiful hair. Golden brownB like the wing of a young thrush?

He smiled awkwardly as she looked up at him?

"Really, Captain! You make a girl feel indecent thO way you stare so!" She laughed. "I suppose you sailorY are so long away from civilisation you cannot controT your ways!" She clutched his arm, her mouth quiverin^ with amusement. "Do not fret! There is no need to bO so serious about it. I really must teach you to accepU what is there, to enjoy what is yours by right.T

"I am sorry. You are most likely right about me." HO looked at the marble floor and grinned. "At sea I ca[ stand upright. Here, I feel as if the deck is moving!T

She stepped back and regarded him searchingly? "Well, I shall have to see what can be done about that.T She tapped her lips with a slim fan. "Everyone iY talking about you, what you have done, how you faceX that awful court martial and made fools of them.T

"It was not exactly like that ...T

She ignored him. "Of course they will not mentio[ any of this. Some are probably afraid you will turn intQ a wild, bloodthirsty sea-dog!" She laughed gaily? "Others see in your success something of their ow[ failure.T

A footman was whispering to the general and shO added quickly, "I will have to leave you to your ow[ devices for dinner. I am hostess tonight.T

He said, "Oh, I thought ..." To cover his confusion hO asked, "Is Lady Blundell not here, too?T

"She stays in England. My uncle's habits are thosO of a soldier. I think she is content to keep them welT away from her." She held his arm again. "But do noU look so sad. I will see you later. We must talk of you_ future. I know people who can help you. Put you wherO you deserve, instead of. . ." She did not finish?

A gong boomed and the footman intoned, "My lordsB ladies and gentlemen. Dinner is now served.T

They followed the general and his niece into an eve[ greater room, and Bolitho found himself paired off witN a dark-haired little woman who was apparently the wifO of a staff officer. He was not present, and witN

something like gloom Bolitho thought he would bO saddled with her for the rest of the evening?

The dinner matched the room. Every course largerB more extravagantly prepared than the one before. HiY stomach had long become used to the sparse farO aboard ship and the varying efforts of many sea-cooks? No one else seemed to find difficulty, however, and hO could only marvel at the way the plates emptied withouU any apparent break in conversation?

There were many toasts, with the wines as varied aY their reasons for drinking them?

After the loyal toast to King George there were alT the usual ones. Death to the French. Confusion to ou_ enemies. A curse on Washington. As the wine floweX they became as meaningless as they were incoherent?

The lady at Bolitho's side dropped her fan, but as hO bent to collect it she reached below the tablecloth anX seized his wrist, holding it against her thigh for severaT seconds. It seemed like an hour, and he thought evera eye at the table must be on him. But she was the onla one, and her face was filled with such desire that hO could almost feel her control slipping away?

He returned the fan and said, "Easy, ma'am, therO are quite a few courses yet.T

She stared at him, open-mouthed, and then gave Z secret smile?

"God what it is to find a real man!T

Bolitho forced himself to take another portion ob chicken, if only to regain his wits. He could feel he_ knee pressing into his leg, and was very aware thaU whenever she required something from the table shO seemed to need it from across his arm. Each time shO lingered over the motion, letting her shoulder or breasU touch for just a few moments more every time?

He glanced desperately along the table and saw thO girl watching him. It was hard to understand he_ expression when she was so far away. Part amusedB part watchful?

His companion was saying casually, "My husband iY much older than I. He cares more for his damned officO than for me.T

She reached for some butter, allowing her breast tQ touch his sleeve while she kept her eyes on his?

"I expect you have been many places, Captain. Ho/ I wish I could take a ship somewhere. Away from thiY place. And him.T

At last the meal was over, and with a scraping ob chairs the men rose to allow their ladies to withdraw? Even at the last moment Bolitho's companio[ persisted with her campaign, like a frigate cutting out Z ship which was totally outmatched from the start?

She whispered, "I have a room here. I will send Z servant to guide you.T

As she moved from the table he saw her stagger buU recover instantly. It would take more than wine to brea7 her, he thought anxiously?

The doors closed again and the men moved thei_ seats closer to the head of the table?

More brandy, and some black cheroots whicN Blundell said had come from some damned rascaT who tried to avoid his dues?

"I hear you are now on our local patrols, Bolitho.T Blundell's harsh voice reduced the other guests tQ attentive silence?

"Yes, Sir James.T

Bolitho eyed him evenly. Blundell was well informedB considering he had only received his orders thaU forenoon?

"Good. We need a few captains with the will tQ guard our lifelines, what!" Blundell's features werO crimson from the extent of his dinner. "These dam[ Yankees have had too much their own way, I say!T

There was a growl of approval, and someone calleX tipsily, "Thash th' bloody truth, shir!" He shrank unde_ Blundell's withering gaze?

Bolitho asked quickly, "Colonel Foley, sir. Is he still i[ America?T

"He has a battalion under Cornwallis." BlundelT seemed disinterested. "Best bloody place for himB too.T

Bolitho allowed the conversation to flow around hiR like a protective cloak. He heard little about the war? Horse breeding, and the cost of keeping house in Ne/ York. The affair of some unfortunate artillery captai[ who had been found in bed with a dragoon's wife. ThO growing difficulty of obtaining good brandy, even aU

smugglers' prices?

Bolitho thought of Christie's summing up. TwQ armies, he had said. How true it now seemed. ColoneT Foley, whether he was a likeable man or not, was onO of those fighting for his country's cause, and his life? Around this table sat a goodly proportion of the othe_ sort. Spoiled, cosseted and completely selfish, hO wished he could be rid of them?

Blundell heaved himself upright. "We will join thO ladies, God help us!T

When Bolitho glanced at the ornate French clock hO saw it was almost midnight. It seemed incredible thaU time could pass so swiftly. But despite the hour therO was no lessening in the pace. A small string orchestrZ struck up a lively dance, and laughing noisily the guestY pushed and jostled towards the sound of music?

Bolitho walked slowly through the connecting roomsB watching for Susannah Hardwicke and keeping a wara eye open for his earlier companion?

As he passed a book-lined study he saw BlundelT speaking with a group of men, most of whom werO prosperous-looking civilians. One, very tall and broad1

shouldered, stood partly in shadow, but the side of hiY face which was visible in the candlelight made BolithQ start with shock, then pity. It had been scoured awayB the skin burned almost to the bone from hairline tQ chin, so that it had the appearance of some grotesquO mask. He seemed to feel Bolitho's eyes on him, anX after a quick glance turned his back, hiding himself i[ shadow?

No wonder he had not joined the others at dinner. IU was easy to imagine the agony of that disfigurementB the torment which had left him so scarred?

"Ah, there you are!" She came out of another rooR and rested her hand on his arm. "Take me into thO garden.T

They walked in silence, and he felt her dresY swishing against his legs, the warmth of her body?

"You were absolutely splendid, Captain." ShO paused and looked at him, her eyes very bright. "ThaU poor woman. I thought for an instant you would fall tQ her.T

"Oh, you saw." Bolitho felt uneasy. "She has gone, iU seems.T

"Yes." She led him into the garden. "I sent her off.T She laughed, the sound carrying through the shrubY like an echo. "I cannot have her interfering with ma captain, now can l?T

"I hope you were easy with her?T

"Actually, she burst into tears. It was all rathe_ pathetic.T

She turned inside his arm, her full dress spreadin^ out behind her like pale gold?

"I must leave you now, Captain.T

"But ... but I thought we were going to talk?T

"Later." She studied him gravely. "I have plans fo_ your future, as I told you earlier, did I not?T

"I weigh anchor tomorrow." He felt wretched? Helpless?

"I know that, silly!" She reached up and touched hiY lips. "Do not frown. I cannot allow it. When you comO back I will introduce you to some friends of mine. Yof will not regret it." Her gloved fingers moved gently tQ his cheek. "And neither, I trust, shall I.T

A servant appeared through the gloom. "CarriagO ready, Missy.T

She nodded. To Bolitho she said, "After you have lefU I will try and clear these dreary people from the house.T She tilted her head and faced hint calmly. "You maa kiss my shoulder, if you wish.T

Her skin was surprisingly cool, and as soft as Z peach?

She twisted away from him and called, "Be goodB Captain, and take care of yourself. When you return ] will be here." Then she laughed and ran lightly up thO terrace into the house?

The coach was waiting for him as he walked dazedla through the shadowed garden and on to thO carriageway. His hat and cloak were on the seat, anX strapped to the boot was a large wooden box?

The footman's teeth shone in a white crescent? "Missy Susannah had the kitchen pack some food fo_ you, Sah." He chuckled. "Nothin' but the best, shO said.T

Bolitho climbed into the coach and sank against thO

cushions. He could still feel her skin against his mouthB smell the perfume from her hair. A girl who could drivO a man mad, even if he was not halfway there already?

At the end of the jetty he found a waterman noddin^ over his oars, and had to call several times to attracU his attention?

"Wot ship, sir?T

"Sparrow?

Just saying the name helped to steady his racin^ thoughts. Before he stepped down into the dory hO turned to look at the coach, but it had alreada disappeared. Like one more part of the dream?

The Waterman was grumbling to himself as hO hauled the heavy box down the steps. Not enough tQ offend a ship's captain, but enough to add slightly tQ his fare?