The Worst Enemy

 

The French frigate weighed and put to sea two days after the conference in Raymond’s spartan headquarters.

Her departure seemed to restore some of the readily offered hospitality from the islanders, and it was rare not to find some of them on Tempest’s deck or alongside in their swift-moving canoes. Bartering, bringing gifts, or merely watching the hands at work on the dwindling list of repairs, it all helped to ease the tension.

The islanders had no cause to fear or dislike the French sailors, and in fact they had had no opportunity of meeting many of them. Only small parties had gone ashore to gather fuel or supplies, each escorted by heavily armed men.

Bolitho had decided that despite or because of their simple standards and judgements the islanders had sensed the oppression aboard the Narval as he had done, and not understanding it had rejected it.

Life aboard Tempest was hard enough, especially at anchor in a sheltered bay, with the sun seeming to grow hotter each hour to add to the discomfort. But in the dog watches it was rare not to hear the scrape of a shantyman’s fiddle or the slap of bare feet as off-watch seamen took part in one of their ritual hornpipes.

From the Frenchman they had heard nothing. Just the chime of a watch-bell, the occasional order being piped between decks. Cowed, humiliated, the ability to seize even the smallest enjoyment had been crushed out of them.

With Narval gone from the bay, Bolitho soon discovered that Raymond intended to keep his word on the matter of responsibility. When not being employed aboard, Tempest’s specialists, like the carpenter and the cooper, the sailmaker and the boatswain, would be required on the island, using their skills to help with the modest but much needed building programme, both of huts and the blockhouses to defend them.

The surgeon too was more on land than in his sickbay, tending -to the wounded and the rarer illnesses amongst the villagers. It was an arrangement which suited Gwyther very well, Bolitho knew, and when he returned to the ship he rarely appeared without some tropical find, a violently coloured plant or some strange-looking fruit.

Captain Prideaux attended to the siting of the new blockhouses, despite the obvious resentment of the two Corps officers.

When they had protected to him he had snapped, ‘You keep telling me that this or that is hot your job. That you should not have been sent here by the Governor of New South Wales anyway, and I am heartily sick of it! In a King’s ship you have to be ready to attempt anything, no matter how you may feel about it.’

One of them had replied hotly, ‘You insult us, sir!’

Prideaux had looked almost happy. “Then I will give satisfaction, to both of you if need be!’.

To his disappointment they, had retired with some haste.

As he had walked through the village or down along the glistening beach Bolitho had wondered what Narval was doing. De Barras had promised to make a long patrol around North Island and on to the next group. To see, and be seen. If he was lucky enough to flush out one or more of Tuke’s vessels, he would certainly exploit the victory and press on with his search.

Bolitho had enough to keep him occupied for most hours of every day. In mounting heat, he went about his duties with impassive determination, knowing Raymond was waiting to complain, to criticize, if he lowered his guard.

It was common enough for sea officers to do what he was doing. Even the commander of a modest sloop-of-war or brig was expected to show his King’s authority when .need be. As Prideaux had Hotly remarked, no matter how you may feel about it! ‘ But he felt vulnerable, knowing she was never fat from him

and yet rarely able to meet her without Raymond being present. Was Raymond trying to pretend that everything was as before as far as she was concerned? Or was he merely enjoying Bolitho’s dismay and want whenever they met?

And although he tried to tell himself he was being too protective, he was worried for her health. She spent some of her time accompanying the surgeon on his rounds, and did not spare herself or share the attitude of the islanders - when it bears heavy on you, stop work.

Lieutenant Keen was employed in charge of the shore parties, and Bolitho had seen him more than once with a native girl of slender beauty who seemed to regard him as one of the gods. In his turn, Keen watched her with an expression of one completely lost. Bolitho had found himself reeling depressed and envious of their blissful understanding.

By the end of the month Herrick took him on a tour of inspection of the ship, and Bolitho shared some of his well-justified satisfaction. Under the hands of his craftsmen, the cunning uses of wood and tar, paint and hemp, Tempest showed little sign of the terrible moment when she had been snared and mauled in -Tuke’s well-laid trap.

Later he reported as much to Raymond, who for. once had little complaint to make, nor did he offer his usual comparison with the efficient de Barras.

Instead he said, ‘I am uneasy about the brig from England.’

“It is common enough to be delayed, sir. It is a demanding passage around the Horn.’

Raymond did not seem to hear him. T feel deaf and blind here. I get no messages from Sydney, and nobody brings me the support I need if I am to make anything of this place.’

Bolitho watched him guardedly. So that was it. Raymond was feeling left out, abandoned, as he himself had done more than once over the past years.

He was saying, ‘I do not want another Eurotas incident. Nor do I want another anything until I am ready here. It is as I suspected. I am always learning how misguided. I have been to trust others. That damned chief, Hardacre’s friend, for instance. Where is the intelligence he promised eh? Tuke’s head in exchange for my leniency? My weakness, he thinks, no doubt! And Hardacre, mooning about his affairs like the mad monk himself!’ He sank into a chair and stared at a half-empty wine bottler

Bolitho said, ‘I understand that the expected brig is the Pigeon, sir?’

‘Yes.’ He looked at him suspiciously. ‘What of it?’

1 know her master, or did the last time I heard of her whereabouts. William Tremayne. He comes from my home town. Used to be in one of the Falmouth packets. He’d never allow himself to be hoodwinked by Tuke. When you’ve been master of a packet, had to sail alone through every sort of sea to the ends of the globe, you must learn to fight off everything to stay alive.’

Raymond shifted uneasily. ‘I hope you are correct about him.’ ‘I would like to take my ship and patrol to the sou’-east of the group, sir.’

‘No.’ Raymond glared at him. ‘I need your presence here.. When I have heard from de Barras, or the brig, I will know what to do. Until then, I will trouble you to continue with your work.’

He said it so vehemently that Bolitho wondered what else was worrying him.

‘Suppose, for instance, the King of Spain has not withdrawn his claims to possessions and trading facilities, eh? For all we know there might be six Spanish sail-of-the-line sweeping right through these waters!’ He shook his head. ‘No. You’ll remain at anchor.’ .

Bolitho left the room. If only there was some way of getting word to Commodore Sayer in Sydney, not that he could do much. It was strange when you thought about it. Three ships, the Hebrus, Sayer’s elderly sixty-four, Tempest, and now the overdue brig Pigeon. As unmatched as any vessels could be, and yet each of their senior officers was a Cornishman, and each was known to the other.

As he reached the pier he saw Hardacre striding from his

schooner.

‘Good. You’d better come, too.’ He sounded troubled:

Angry. Tinah has news; Of the pirates and that other bloody

madman; de Barras.’

Once more in Raymond’s room Hardacre exploded. ‘Did you know that de Barras has been amongst the islands in the north, acting like Caesar! Canoes have been fired on, and the whole area is smouldering like a tinder-barrel! In God’s name, what were you thinking of to leave him the field, to do as he pleases?’

‘Control yourself!’ Raymond sounded startled nevertheless. ‘How did you hear of all this?’

‘At least I am still trusted by some of them!’ His massive chest heaved painfully. “The chief sent word. Tuke’s anchorage is at Rutara.’ He jerked his head towards the ceiling. “The sacred island.’ He looked at Bolitho. ‘Do you know it?’

‘Only from sparse detail.’

‘Aye.’ Hardacre strode this way and that, his hands clasped as if in prayer. It is a harsh place, without much water apart from rain pools. Just the sort of hole that a man like Tuke would use for a short while.’ He sounded worried. ‘No native would dare land there.’

Raymond licked his lips. ‘Well, that is good news, surely, if we can trust on it.’

‘Trust?’ Hardacre looked at him with unmasked contempt. It has cost Tinah several of his men to get it, and will probably turn some of the other islands against him for helping you.’

Raymond looked down at the table, his fingers drumming on it, loud in the sudden silence.

De Barras will anchor off North Island after he has carried out his search. You can send your schooner to him forthwith. I will write a despatch for his immediate attention.’

‘She is the only vessel I have here at my disposal!’

‘That is not my affair. This is.’ Raymond eyed him coldly. ‘I can commandeer the schooner, you know?’

Hardacre turned to the door. Beaten. ‘I will see the master. Now.’ He slammed the door.

Raymond breathed out very slowly. ‘Well, well, Captain.

Moments ago we were in the dark. Now, if it is to be believed,

the news sounds promising. Very.’ He gave a thin smile.

‘Perhaps it is as well that the role of Tuke’s executioner falls to

the French. If there are repercussions in high places, we are in

a stronger position.’

‘I would like to go too, sir. If not instead of, then with de Barras.’

‘You think he will be unable to deal with Tuke? Because of your own rough handling, is that it?’ His smile broadened. ‘Really, you disappoint me to show your pique so openly!’

It is none of those things, sir.’ He looked away, seeing the man dangling from Narval’s stern, dying as he had watched. ‘Two ships would be better than one. I respect Tuke’s cunning, just as I mistrust de Barras’s ability to contain his own brutality. These islands could become a battleground because of him!’

‘You had your chance, Captain Bolitho. The objectives are clearer cut now, and I think de Barras will be eager to fulfil my requirements when he reads the despatch I will send to him.’

‘More promises?’

Raymond ignored it. ‘See that you are in readiness to weigh anchor when I need you. The trap is closing around the pirate, but we still have our work to do here. If only that damned brig would come!’

As Bolitho turned to leave Raymond added casually, ‘The Eurotas. What is your, er, report on her?’

Bolitho paused. ‘She is guarded by her own people, and my boats pull round her after dark.’

‘I would have been displeased to hear the contrary.’ Raymond tapped the table again. ‘No,’I was referring to her readiness for sea.’

‘As ordered.’ Bolitho watched him, trying to see through his prim severity. ‘As ready as my own command.’, ‘Good. That helps me to plan.’

Bolitho returned to the pier and watched his gig pulling towards him. Raymond’s attitude over the transport was a mystery. Eurotas had no master, and a depleted company. If Raymond imagined she could be used beyond an extreme emergency he was going to be disappointed. Unless … He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Unless he intended to transfer his papers and plans on board her and leave the settlement to Hardacre. Could it be he was inwardly afraid of the unseen events? I feel deaf and blind here. Sailors were used to relying on their own meagre resources, but perhaps men like Raymond, trained and educated to ways of Parliament and government, could not survive without news and guidance.

Bolitho awoke violently from a heavy sleep, fighting aside his sheet as he tried to discover what had disturbed him. Then he saw a pair of eyes glowing in the gloom like pale lamps, and he remembered that Orlando, the giant Negro, had been given the chance of acting as his servant. It had apparently been Allday’s idea soon after Noddall’s death, and as he was still going about his new duties, Bolitho assumed his coxswain was satisfied. Although with the amount of cursing and blaspheming he had heard, he might have expected otherwise. ‘What is it, man?’

He struggled to sit up, his practised mind taking in that the cot was steady and unmoving; and only the normal sounds of a vessel at anchor penetrated the cabin. It was stuffy, almost airless, and the effort of moving made the sweat trickle across his bare skin.

Orlando bobbed his head and dragged Bolitho’s sheet from the cot, bowing to feel for his shoes.

Allday loomed through the darkness. “Boat alongside, Captain.’ He peered at the Negro. ‘Mr Raymond wants you ashore. The master of the “Pigeon is with him, it seems.’

Bolitho lowered his legs to the deck, grappling with the news. Yesterday, his hilltop lookout had reported the sight of a sail to the south-east. Within hours it was recognized as the overdue brig Pigeon, and once more Bolitho had felt the excitement run through his ship like a fresh breeze. News from home. Keeping a memory alive. All things to all men.

Some of the interest had transmitted itself to the settlement and fires had been lit to bring the heavy scent of wood-smoke and cooked meat to the secluded bay.

And then the wind had dropped, and when darkness had swept over the islands the brig had anchored, to await the safety of the dawn and a secure passage through the reefs.

He heard feet on deck, the rattle of blocks as a boat was hoisted outboard That would be Herrick’s doing. Making sure his captain had his proper gig and not one of Hardacre’s scarred, longboats.

He asked, “What is the time?’

Allday said, ‘Morning watch has just been called, Captain. He rubbed his chin. “The Pigeon’s master must have been brought in by boat.’

Bolitho stared at him. How easily Allday got to the bones of it It had to be something very urgent to bring a brig’s captain ashore after such a long and wearying voyage from England. Was it war with Spain? Would Tempest be ordered home? He thought of it carefully, matching his need against that of his training. She would be safe in Cornwall, while he… He swore as Orlando jabbed his stomach accidentally with a massive elbow.

Allday lit one of the lanterns and grinned. “That’s the best of being mute, Captain. You never have to apologize!’

Bolitho peered at his reflection in a mirror. Naked and tousled, his hair black across his forehead, he looked more like a vagrant than a captain.

But Orlando bustled about him, fetching lukewarm water from the galley; and while Allday got busy with soap and razor, laid out Bolitho’s clothing as instructed. He did it far better than he should after so brief a training, and Bolitho suspected the Negro had once served in some great estate, or had been in a position to watch others attending their masters. Perhaps, like his ability to speak, his memory had been cut short with some terrible experience.

Herrick came aft and tapped the door. ‘Gig’s ready, sir.’ He watched the little scene in the cabin. ‘I see that I need not have worried.’

Bolitho slipped into his clean shirt and allowed Allday to fasten the neckcloth. ‘No more new information?’

‘No.’ Herrick looked tired. ‘But the Pigeon has brought some bad news, I think. The good always seems to drag its feet.’

Bolitho snatched up his hat. ‘We will see.’ He hesitated, allowing Allday to hurry on ahead to his gig. ‘Be ready, Thomas. We may have to weigh at dawn.’

‘Aye.’ He had obviously thought of little else. ‘There are only the shore parties unaccounted for. Young Valentine Keen will have to manage.’

‘ Bolitho ran lightly up the companion ladder and felt the cooler air oh his cheek. Just past four in the morning, and the decks moist under his shoes. He peered up at the crossed yards and thought the stars were already fading between the shrouds and neatly furled sails.

Men stood aside, and others doffed their hats as he lowered himself into the boat. Through open gunports he saw blurred faces, the watch below trying to guess what was happening. Where he was going in such haste.

As the gig rushed across the smooth water he sat in silence watching the trailing phosphorescence around the dipping blades, the surge of foam from the stem, fie saw the Eurotas loom aboye the fast-moving boat and heard the harsh challenge, ‘Boat ahoy!’ and Allday’s prompt reply, ‘Passing!’

With so many rumours of unrest and trouble amongst the islands, the ship’s sentries were more alert than usual. Failure to acknowledge a challenge might bring a blast of canister into the boat.

Bolitho saw the lights beyond the pier and knew the whole settlement must be awake. ‘Oars!’

Bolitho watched the pier rising above him and heard the clink of metal as the bowman caught a ringbolt with his boat-hook.

Then he was up and striding along the pier, marvelling that the place had become so familiar to him after so short a stay.

He passed one of Prideaux’s pickets, the marine’s crossbelts gleaming white in the darkness. Through the wide gates and past the gibbet where he saw the overseer, Kimura, waiting for him.

‘Well?’ He could smell the man. Sweat and the pale drink which tasted like rum and which would kill if taken in quantity.

Kimura said in his strange voice, They wait upstairs, sir. They not tell me nawthin’.’

After the gig and the rough track from the pier Raymond’s room seemed blinding with light.

Raymond was standing in an ankle-length satin coat, his hair ruffled as he glared at the open door. Hardacre was sitting in a chair, his ringers interlaced across his belly, face very grim.

And beside a screened window the Pigeon’s master made a shaggy contrast, bringing the ocean right into the room.

William Tremayne had changed little, Bolitho decided, as he

.strode towards him and gripped his hand. Broad, and short, with spiky grey hair, and eyes so dark they glittered in the lanterns like black coals.

Tremayne grinned. ‘Dick Bolitho!’ He wrung his hand, his palm as rough as timber. ‘How are ye, me ‘andsome? Still a captain, eh?’ He chuckled, the sound coming but of the depths to bring Bolitho instant memories. I’d thought you master o’ the King’s Navy at least be now!’

Raymond said sharply, ‘Yes, yes! Please sit down, the pair of you. The fond greetings can wait.’

Tremayne peered round under his chair, his dark eyes innocent.

‘Now what is it?’ Raymond seemed to be verging on an explosion.

Tremayne looked at him sadly. ‘I am sorry, sir. I thought you were talking to a dog an’ was looking for him, like!’

Raymond cleared his throat, and Bolitho saw that his hands were shaking badly.

He said, ‘The news is serious, Bolitho.’

Tremayne interrupted cheerfully, ‘Aye, ‘tis that, Dick. The whole of Europe is quaking fit to bust open!’

Bolitho watched Raymond’s hands. ‘Spain?’

‘Worse.’ Raymond seemed to have difficulty in forming Jus words. ‘There has been a bloody revolution in France. The mobs have taken the country, thrown the King and his Queen into prison, and they may already be dead, even as we sit here. According to these despatches, thousands are being hunted down and beheaded in the streets. Anyone of noble birth, or touching on the smallest authority, is being taken and butchered. Our channel ports are crammed with refugees.’

Bolitho felt his mouth go dry. Revolution in France. It did not seem possible. There had been food riots and disorders, but so had there been in England after the war. He could well imagine the effect of the news at home. Amongst the foolish and unthinking there would be short-lived enjoyment at seeing an old enemy, brought down in confusion. And then would come the cold logic and understanding. The might of France separated only by the English Channel, and with the rule of Terror at its head.

While he had been worrying about Tempest’s role, or had taken the news from Timor to Sydney about the Bounty mutiny, the real world had been put to the torch.

Raymond said, ‘It will mean war.’ He looked at the wall as if expecting to see an enemy. ‘But nothing like the last one. By comparison that will be remembered as a skirmish!’

Tremayne eyed him curiously and then said to Bolitho, It all started last July. May have turned into something worse b’now. But still, I reckon it’ll seem like good news to the Frenchie, Genin, or however you pronounces it.’

Bolitho looked at Raymond. ‘Genin?’

‘Yes. Yves Genin. One of the minds behind the revolution. Yesterday he had a price on his head as far as we were concerned. Now…’

Bolitho stared at him. Is that the man de Barras wants to capture?’ He saw the uncertainty change to guilt. ‘You knew! All this while and you knew Genin was no felon, but a man wanted for political reasons!’

‘De Barras entrusted me with the news, certainly.’ Raymond tried to recover his composure. ‘I do not have to tell my subordinates everything. Anyway, what is it to you? If de Barras succeeds in taking Genin alive it is his affair. He will be serving new masters himself when he returns to France.’

Tremayne said gruffly, ‘He’d be a fool to go. They’d have his head in a basket before he could say “knife”. If half the things I’ve heard are true, it must be like Hades in Paris.’

Hardacre spoke for the first time, his voice very slow and level. ‘You do not understand a word, do you, Mr Raymond?’ He stood up and walked to the nearest window and threw aside the blind. ‘Captain Bolitho can see it, even L a landsman, can understand, but you?’ His voice rose slightly. ‘You are so full of your own greed and importance you see nothing. There has been a revolution in France. It may even spread to England, and God knows there are some who will never get justice without it. But out here, in the islands which you only see as stepping-stones to your damned future, what does it really mean?’ He strode across to the table and thrust his beard at Raymond. ‘Well, tell me, damn your eyes!’

Bolitho said quietly, ‘Easy, Mr Hardacre.’ He turned to the table. ‘Had you told me that Genin was the man who had found sanctuary with Tuke, I might have foreseen some of this. Now it may be too late. If Tuke knows about the revolution, he will see Genin not merely as a useful hostage but as a means to an end. Genin is no longer a fugitive, he represents his country, as much as you or I do ours.’

Raymond looked up at him, ids eyes glazed. ‘The Narval? Is that it?’

Bolitho looked away, sickened. ‘When Narval’s people are told of the uprising in France they’ll tear de Barras and his lieutenants to pieces.’

Tremayne said bluntly, ‘I reckon he’ll know b’now. I heard of two French packets which rounded the Horn within days o’ me. The news will be across the whole ocean, if I’m any judge.’

Bolitho tried to think without emotion. All the sea fights, the names of captains, French and English alike, which had become a part of history. History which he had helped to fashion. As had Le Chaumareys.

This great sea was alive with countless craft of every kind. From lordly Indiamen to brigs and schooners, and down further still to the tiny native vessels which abounded here. Like insects in a forest, or minute sea creatures. Yes, the news would spread quickly enough.

In. the seven months since the revolution had begun the whole world might have changed yet again.

Only one thing was clear and stark, like a wreck on a reef.

Tuke would capture the Narval. It was so simple it made him want to walk out into the darkness. De Barras’s men would rise to their new banner willingly. After the barbarous way they had been made to live and serve de Barras, it would be like a flood bursting.

And then Tuke would emerge in his new role, not merely a troublesome pirate, but a real force to be reckoned with. Raymond was correct in one thing. It would mean war. England would never stand by and watch a new France expanding at her expense; Every ship would be needed desperately. They had been unready for a clash with Spain over trade concessions.. What would they do when confronted with a freshly blooded . France?

Tuke, with his small but unchallenged flotilla of vessels, would do as he pleased, take what he wanted. Found an empire if he so wished. He looked at Raymond again. And he had known about Genin all the time.

Tremayne said, ‘I will put to sea tomorrow.’ He grinned. ‘Today, that is.’

Raymond said tonelessly, ‘Pigeon is carrying despatches for the Governor of New South Wales.’

Tremayne winked. ‘And for Commodore Sayer. He’ll be writing fresh orders for you, Dick, double-quick!’

Hardacre leaned over the sill and sniffed the air. ‘Light soon now.’ Without turning he said, ‘And my schooner is out looking for de Barras. If Tuke already knows about these things, he’ll come out of hiding. He’ll not risk attack from a frigate. The Narval would pound his little vessels to boxwood before they got in range.’

Bolitho remembered the powerful guns, Tempest’s topgallant mast plunging down to the deck, killing and maiming as it went.

Almost to himself he said, ‘All Tuke has to do is wait. If de Barras learns the news, he’ll be even more desperate to recapture his prisoner. His ship is all he has now. Without her, he is as good as dead.’

Tremayne stood up, his sea-boots creaking. I’ll be off directly, Dick. If you have any despatches, I’d be obliged to get ‘em afore noon.’. He tried to grin. ‘But you’re all safe and snug here. Your fifth-rate and th’ big transport in the bay. You could hold off an army, eh?’

Raymond spoke up sharply. ‘De Barras is no longer our concern. This settlement is. I will be getting more men and supplies soon. Once they arrive, Tuke and his followers will-sheer off and go to another hunting-ground.’

Tremayne regarded him calmly. ‘If you think that …’ He turned away. I’ll have a boat alongside Tempest till an hour afore I up-anchors. Send your despatches into her.’ He gripped Bolitho’s hand. I’ll tell ‘em about you, Dick, when I drops the anchor in Carrick Road again. I often sees your sister. I’ll pass it kindly to her.’

“Thank you, William. But I may be there before you.’

As the other captain left the room Bolitho felt suddenly heavy. It was like an evil dream, when nobody would listen or understand what you were trying to say.

With Tuke on the rampage, and the forces of authority unable or unwilling to contest his power, the islands would fall on one another’s throats as in days past. The spear and the war dub would lay the islands open for traders and pirates to plunder as they thought fit.

He saw Hardacre watching him. He knew. A betrayal. There was no other word for it.

But would the French sailors rise against their officers? No matter what Tuke or Yves Genin told them, could they bring themselves to mutiny and smash down all they had been disciplined to obey without question?

When a nation rose against its King and turned murder loose on the streets it could face up to almost anything, Bolitho decided-grimly.

He said, ‘I am requesting permission to put to sea, sir. I’ll find de Barras and tell him what we know. It would be far better to send him and his ship away than to bring superior forces down on our heads by remaining silent.’

‘No.’ One word, and yet it rebounded around the room like

an. iron shot.

Hardacre said, ‘Then I’ll be down to the village and speak with Tinah. There are things to prepare.’ He glanced at Bolitho. ‘I’ve no doubt you wish to discuss matters, tool’

As the door dosed behind him Raymond said, ‘I have my own responsibilities, and you are here to support me to the best of your ability.’

‘I know my orders, sir.’ Was it possible to sound so calm, when all he wanted to do was pull Raymond by the lapels of his beautiful coat and shake him until his face was blue.

‘Good. In my opinion de Barras will either defeat Tuke or return to France if he learns what has happened. Either way it is no longer our affair. War will come, if it has not already begun, and we must prepare the Levu Islands as instructed.’ His mouth hardened. ‘And I imagine that you will be able to drive Tuke’s schooners away, should they come too dose, eh?’ ‘D’you know what I think, sir?’ Bolitho leaned out of a window and gripped the sill to prevent his hands from shaking. ‘I believe that there will be no bases here, not now, nor any time in our lives. The war we knew was a sounding-brass, the one to come will be fought with giants. There will be neither need nor time for islands and governors to control them.’ He drew in a breath very slowly, tasting the sea, feeling it pull at him. ‘No supplies or soldiers will come either.’

Raymond exclaimed, ‘You’re mad! What do you think I was sent for?’

Bolitho did not face him. ‘Think about it. I was kept out here because of you. Because I challenged your authority five years ago and stood between you and a man you wronged and allowed to go into oblivion. Because of other, more personal matters also, you used your skills to maroon me here. De Barras is another. But he was driven out of France too late. By then his sort had created anger and hatred, which in turn will try to destroy our world, too. And you? Do you not think it strange that you have joined our little world?’

When he received no reply he turned and saw Raymond staring at the table, his open despatches spread between his out-thrust arms.

Then he said hoarsely, ‘You are wrong. Of course I will get support. I have worked all my life for proper recognition. I will not stand by and see it all…’ He lurched to his feet, his eyes blazing. ‘I am the governor here! You will do as I say!’

They stayed quite still, facing each other like strangers.

Then, as Bolitho made to leave, he heard voices in the compound and feet on the stairs outside.

It was neither Hardacre nor his overseer, but Lieutenant Keen. He was dressed only in shirt and breeches, and he looked beside himself with anxiety.

‘I am sorry to disturb you, sir.’

He looked so wretched that Bolitho took his arm and guided him out on to the stairway beside another window. ‘Tell me.’

‘I have a friend, sir. She, she…’

‘Yes, I have seen her.’ He still could not even guess. ‘Continue.’

‘I was with her. I had attended to my duties with the working party and seen them in their huts, and then . . Sweat ran down his face as he blurted out, ‘In the name of God, sir, I believe there is fever amongst us!’ He turned away, his shoulders shaking. ‘She just lies there. She cannot speak. I didn’t know what to do.’ He broke down completely.

Bolitho stared past him at the trees and the glow of water beyond. Another dawn? It was more like the day of reckoning.

I must think.

I’ll come with-you.’ He strode back into the room and searched amongst the litter of papers until he found something to write on. ‘I must send a message to the pier. For Allday.’

Raymond .asked dully, ‘What are you muttering about?’ Bolitho said, ‘I would suggest you close the settlement gates, sir. There may be fever on the island.’

Raymond’s jaw dropped. Impossible! You are just trying to parry aside my orders!’ He saw Bolitho’s expression and added, ‘Your lieutenant is mistaken! He must be!’

Bolitho walked from the room. Revolution on the other side of the world, and the islands waiting to watch their new masters fighting amongst themselves. And now, like a trident from hell, had come the worst blow of all. The one enemy which came from within, and from which there might be no quarter.

 

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