willow bark tea he prescribes for the agues.
Chapter Three
It was to be a grand affair, the likes of which neither Bart, Silas or any other of Lord Anthony's staff could ever remember.
'It's time for a feast,' Lord Anthony had shouted out to Silas as he entered his stateroom. Then while reading the letters that had been laid on his desk he gave a whoop and declared, 'Well, damme.' Bart had entered the cabin at that time and knew something was in the wind. He'd never seen his Lordship take on so.
Seeing his cox'n, Anthony ordered, 'See the flag captain, Bart, and have him signal for all captains to repair on board with their first lieutenants to dine with the admiral this evening. Soon as that's done hurry on back and we'll share a wet.'
Hum, thought Bart, something was definitely up. More 'n one something likely and he bet he knew what half of it had to be, seeing as he put the thick letter from Lady Deborah on the admiral's desk. A smile crept across Bart's face. With his lordship carrying on so he'd forgotten to mention SeaWolf was just entering the harbour. Now Gabe would be on hand to enjoy the celebration. Bart quickened his pace; maybe he could put a word in the flag captain's ear to keep quiet about SeaWolf for a spell.
With the help of Moffett's chef and servant, Silas had put on a feast to remember. It was a harassed flag lieutenant who had gotten back aboard just in time with a rump of beef that was to be the centerpiece of the table. Last minute shopping was not his idea of a flag lieutenant's duties but he was willing to do his best for his admiral on such a grand occasion. The rump had been boiled and the brisket had been roasted. The tongue and tripe was minced and baked into pies. A young kid goat was dressed in its own blood and thyme with a pudding in its belly. After that came a shoulder of mutton with a side of goat both covered with a rasher of bacon. As though that wasn't enough for all the captains and their first lieutenants to gorge themselves senseless, there was pickled oysters, bowls of potatoes and vegetables. Finally, Silas served a dish of his famous berry pastries and apple tarts.
With the desserts finished, glasses of sherry were poured as clay pipes and cigars were passed. Once the pipes were billowing and cigars were lighted, Lord Anthony stood and raised his glass for a toast. As he stood he glanced Gabe's way. Gabe, seeing Lord Anthony's gaze, smiled and nodded ever so slightly. He had been made privy to her ladyship's news and had already congratulated his brother.
'Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to inform each of you that my wife, Lady Deborah, has presented your admiral with a child, a baby girl. She has been named Macayla Rose.
A cry went up, 'Here, here, to Lady Deborah and Lord Anthony.' As the officers settled down Anthony had the glasses recharged and again stood.
'Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to present to you the Royal Navies newest admiral. Admiral Dutch Moffett.'
Again the cheers from the officers. When it had quieted down Anthony stood again.
'A toast to the new flag captain. Captain Buck.' Another round of cheers that took a time to settle down. When Anthony had everyone's attention, 'A toast to Captain Stephen Earl, HMS Merlin.' This time the cheers took longer as Earl was not only made captain but was given Merlin. After the group had finished congratulating Earl, Lord Anthony stood again.
'Gentlemen, this night should prove a night like no other. We are here to say farewell to Captain Pope who is returning to England with Drakkar for a much needed refitting.' This time instead of cheers, good-natured boos. Once the noise quieted down, Anthony continued,
'He will have the honor of carrying with him our new admiral, Admiral Moffett. However, as one shipmate departs we welcome a new one. Gentlemen, I present Master and Commander, Sir Raymond Knight, Captain of the Navy's latest prize, HMS LeFrelon.' Once more the cheers and toast. Meanwhile, Bart and Dagan had ambled aft, and were leaning on the taffrail having a wet, smoking their pipes, and having a quiet conversation. The aroma of burnt tobacco filled the air causing Johns, the fifth lieutenant who had the watch to look aft. Seeing the old seadogs he was touched.
It was men like these that took care of men like those below in the admiral's quarters that really made the Navy what it was.
Another cheer from below. Hearing it, Johns felt a pang of jealously and wished he could join the party. Not the one below, but the one at the taffrail.
Chapter Four
The gale force Atlantic winds carried the two ships along under full sail. SeaWolf and HMS Swan had been given orders to carry dispatches to Admiral Graves, whose squadron was thought to be somewhere between the West Indies, meaning Antigua, and Philadelphia.
Upon delivering the dispatches, SeaWolf and Swan, were to join Admiral Lord Anthony at Saint Augustine.
They had been ordered to sail together because of the increasing menace of privateers.
Lieutenant Markham, who commanded Swan, and Gabe had both received the benefit of serving as midshipman under Lord Anthony. Therefore, most of the time, they were of the same mindset. This was in evidence at the rate of speed, a full seven knots in a wind when most would have taken in a sail.
SeaWolf's First Lieutenant Jackson was in deep conversation with Nathan Lavery, the second lieutenant, and the only other officer aboard the ship. Dagan observed the two as he stood by the lee rail.
Undoubtedly, Jackson was pleased at what Lavery was telling him as a smile creased the otherwise hard leathery face. Were they talking about some adventure ashore, about their captain or some doxy? Which ever made no difference? They were happy and generally happy officers meant a happy crew.
Andy Gunnells, the ship's master, was aft trying to light his pipe, too stubborn to duck below the rail out of the wind'an Irishman, whose favorite phrase seems to be 'God Save Ireland.' A plume of smoke, the pipe had finally been lit and Gunnells ambled towards Dagan.
As he made his way he paused and cocked his head so that his right ear was pointed south. Dagan knew what caused Gunnells to cock his ear. He had just heard it too. Gunfire. No sooner had the thought come to mind than several seamen stopped what they were doing and faced forward.
'Lookout! Damme man, I'm calling you,' Jackson bellowed. 'Do you have anything to report?'
'No, sir,' the lookout called down, 'Clear to larboard and starboard. A bit 'o 'aze be blocking the view forward, sir.'
Hearing either the gunfire or the lookout's report brought Gabe on deck. Dagan wasn't sure but had expected Jackson to send a messenger for him. Gabe was about to order another lookout be sent aloft when to his surprise Jackson headed up the futtock shrouds with his glass. Then, like a true sailor, shunned the lubbers hole as he found a place to perch, nudging the lookout over a bit.
There was a bit of haze, as the lookout had stated, but to a trained eye powder smoke was also visible.
Looking at the sailor seated next to him with a degree of disgust, Jackson called down his sighting.
Hearing the report, Gabe called Midshipman Lancaster, 'Make a signal to Swan. Gunfire.'
'Is that all, sir?' Lancaster asked.
'Aye, lad, Captain Markham needs no further information at present.'
Swan had been to windward and about half a league behind SeaWolf. At sighting the signal, Markham had her brought up to within hailing distance.
'Sail ho!' The shout came from the masthead.
Jackson who had returned to the deck looked up waiting for the report to continue.
'Off the starboard bow, a brig by 'er tops'ls. Hull and mains'ls still down yit.'
Gabe couldn't control his agitation. 'Any other ships, anything in chase?'
'No, sir.' Then after a pause, 'Another ship 'as come outta the 'aze sir. A big un, a frigate she be. Her sails be
