Barracuda

brunt of Markham 's joke, Knight thought again, no sir, these men were nothing like those commanded by Commodore Meriwether.

CLINK… CLINK… CLINK… Captain Buck, Lord Anthony's flag captain, overhearing Markham 's narrative tried to compose himself as he tapped a wine glass with a spoon. A concerned Silas, the admiral's cook, sat in the corner. He was tempted to take the spoon out of the captain's hand. That wine glass was crystal and if Buck broke it with that damn spoon Lady Deborah would never forgive him.

The group quieted down and much to Silas's relief Buck laid the spoon down. 'Gentlemen,' Buck spoke to the room at large, 'His Lordship was detained at the meeting with the Governor as you were all told, but his barge is approaching. Not a minute too soon I'm thinking as his generosity with a canter of wine appears to have taken on broader proportions. I hope there's sufficient left that Silas won't have to go ashore before Lord Anthony can have his supper.'

This brought chuckles from the officers. When Lord Anthony came aboard he went directly to his dining room and addressed the issues that had been discussed at the Governor's meeting. He also outlined his plan of action and it was a determined group that returned to their ships.

'Like old times is it not?' Markham said to Earl.

'Pair up and patrol.'

'Aye,' a smiling Earl responded. 'I just hope we're as lucky with a prize or two as his lordship was when we were in the West Indies.'

'Aye,' Markham replied, his mind already on how much his share would be as a ship's captain compared to when he was a midshipman.

The wind came from the north-northwest. Lord Anthony had shifted his flag to Merlin leaving his flag lieutenant, a disappointed and spitting-'n'-sputtering Captain Buck, behind on HMS Warrior. While Warrior was a fine third rate, she was much too big and cumbersome for the patrol Lord Anthony had in mind.

Warrior made a fine sight lying at anchor where just the threat of her guns would ward off most attempts to invade Saint Augustine. But Warrior would not serve well in the Keys. 'We need smaller ships with shallow droughts to get in among the Keys as we patrol south along Florida 's coast,' he explained. He had also left the ketch, HMS Pigeon, and the cutter, HMS Audacity, as Anthony wanted this to be a quick patrol and they'd never be able to keep up. Sailing as close to the coast as they were the bluish water was almost clear and alive with all types of fish. Gulls filled the air; the gawking birds would spread their wings and hover in the air.

Then, off they'd go, harrying other birds that came into their space.

A group of off watch seamen had fashioned fishing lines and one had caught a nice size red snapper. As he was pulling the fish in a barracuda flashed by. His body like silver daggers as he bit the snapper into, leaving the fisherman with only the head for his troubles.

Bart, standing alongside Lord Anthony and Merlin's captain, Stephen Earl, had watched the scene as it had taken place in the clear water. 'Makes you think about wot Gabe reported don't it?' Bart volunteered. 'That frigate just tearing apart the brig the way he did. No conscience, that bugger, a vicious one I'm thinking.' Used to Bart's uncanny ability to bring one's thoughts to bear, Anthony agreed. 'He's vicious no doubt, but what would cause a man to be so?'

'Are you thinking we could be dealing with Montique, my Lord?'

'No, Stephen. Montique would have sunk the ship, but he would have taken off everything of value before doing so. I think we're dealing with a different type villain this time.'

'Deck there!' The lookout called, 'A signal from HMS SeaWolf, sail in sight.'

'Have Gabe investigate,' a visibly excited Anthony ordered Earl. 'Then signal LeFrelon to assist.'

'Aye, my Lord,' Earl replied but before he could give his orders the lookout called down again.

'SeaWolf 'as signaled three sails from the sou'west.'

'Damme, but this may be a profitable day,' Earl exclaimed unable to keep the excitement from his voice.

Once Earl had gone about his duties, Bart edged up to Lord Anthony. 'We's a fight ahead o' us today. I feel hit in me bones. No sightseers today I'm thinking.'

'Why you damned old bilge rat,' Anthony retorted,

'I bet you don't even know where your blade is and if you do, I'll bet the blade has rusted in the scabbard.'

'Aye, it may be with us standing 'bout all da time but I's betting Silas has got some slush wot'll free it up, and hit ain't too late to put a new edge on it.'

'Sail ho! Three sails in sight. Two be schooner and one be a bigger fish.'

Hearing this Earl looked at Anthony and rolled his eyes, 'Gawd,' he groaned and called to the first lieutenant, 'take a glass to the mast, Mr. Rodney, and tell us what you see. Damme man, his Lordship is right over there, do I have to remind you of your duties in front of the admiral?'

A sheepish Bart turned to larboard to hide his grin as he whispered to Anthony, 'Earl's a cheeky bugger, ain't he? Sounds like Captain Buck when he says 'Gawd don't he?'

Trying not to chuckle, Anthony replied, 'Aye, that he does, but let's go below and let Captain Earl run his ship.'

Chapter Seven

Gabe stood perched against the forward bulwark, glass to his eye. He braced himself to get a better view as SeaWolf plunged through another wave. The dip and roll made it difficult to focus on the approaching ships. Two schooners and a small frigate. The schooners were clearly a pair of Jonathan's but the frigate… he couldn't be sure… probably Spanish, but not the same one that had blasted the brig a few days back.

Another dip of SeaWolf's bow allowed a cresting wave to come aboard, fairly drenching Gabe then running down the scuppers. Damn, Gabe said to himself somewhat embarrassed. He'd been so focused on the approaching sails he'd not paid attention and now was paying the price.

'Decided to take a bath did you?' Dagan asked. It was what the first lieutenant had wanted to ask but didn't, not yet sure of his relationship with the captain.

Glaring at Dagan, Gabe snapped, 'It's a warm day, why not?'

Dagan not moved by Gabe's attempt at sternness asked cheerfully, 'Should I have Lum bring you some soap or will a towel do?'

Unable to act irritated any longer Gabe said, 'A towel will do.'

The sun shone bright on the sparkling water. Little vapors were seen arising from Gabe's uniform as he gave his hands and face a final rub with the towel. 'Make a signal to the flag, Mr. Lancaster, three privateer, two schooners and one frigate of twenty-eight guns.'

'Aye, cap'n,' the youth responded then hurried off to do his bidding before the cap'n caught him smiling.

Turning to the first lieutenant, Gabe asked, 'Where lies LeFrelon?'

'She's overreaching us now, sir,' Lavery volunteered before Jackson could speak.

'Very well. Beat to quarters, Mr. Jackson. I feel it will be two against three until Merlin can overhaul us.'

'Think we could delay things until she arrives?' Jackson asked not liking the odds of two large schooners of fourteen guns each and the twenty-eight gun frigate. It was more than any sane man would want to face.

'I don't think it's up to us,' Gabe replied, noting the privateers had split up. The two schooners to windward and the frigate to leeward.

'Bet they've played this game before,' Gunnells offered.

'Deck there! Signal from LeFrelon. Attack ships to windward.'

After pausing, Gabe realized Knight was the senior of the two so he had the right to give Gabe orders. He will have a hard time of it, Gabe thought. It was apparent Knight was no coward or one to shirk his duty. He'd taken the frigate leaving Gabe with the schooners, theoretically a more even match up.

'Merlin has signaled, harass the enemy,' Jackson said.

'What's he mean?' Dagan, who had been listening but had not spoken, now addressed the first lieutenant.

'His way of telling us to be careful if possible.