startled.' Why do you ask?'
General Blundell interrupted, 'Hell's teeth, must] stand here while you people discuss the fittings of this wretched ship? I have had all I can tolerate and…'
Bolitho said abruptly, 'Sir James, there is an enema privateer to the north. She is probably still following us? The fittings, as you call them, will be very useful if that
enemy comes our way.'
He turned, cocking his head, as the clank of pumps told him Tyrrell had the mutinous seamen in hand?
To Stockdale he said, 'Go aft, see what you can discover.'
Blundell sounded less confident.' Privateer? Attack us?'
Bolitho replied, 'The Sparrow is very small, sir. The enemy more than twice our strength.'
The general grunted.' Well, better than nothing. Iffight you must, it will be for the finest reasons.'
Bolitho ignored him as Tyrrell came on deck again?
'I have sounded th' well. Th' hull is taking water steadily, but th' pumps seem to be containing it. It's all hell below. Cabins broken open, drunks, and two dead from knife wounds.' He frowned towards the mate who was urging his men to clear away fallen spars.' He must have been mad with worry.' He saw Bolitho's expression.' What'll we do?'
Blundell said, 'Your captain will do his duty. If we are attacked he will defend this ship and passengers. Do you need telling, man?'
Tyrrell eyed him coolly.' Not by you, General.'
Bolitho snapped, 'How many women are there?' He was watching Stockdale ushering them from the poops his voice barely audible as he tried to placate them?
There were children, too. More than he had realised?
'For God's sake, how much longer are you going to stand like this?' The general was shouting, his face almost as red as his tunic.' What does it matter how many this or that we have on board, or what colour their eyes are?' He got no further?
Tyrrell stepped between them, his head lowered so that their faces were nearly touching?
'Look here, General, what th' cap'n says is right. The enemy can outshoot anything we have to offer, an' this Indiaman is a damn sight worse off.'
'Not my concern, and I'll tell you once more to mind your manners!'
'Warn me, General?' Tyrrell laughed silently.' But for you meddling with us at Sandy Hook th' Sparrow would have completed repairs an' been away at sea a month back. So but for that you would be alone out heres sitting like a fat duck waiting to be shot for th' pot.' His tone hardened.' So mind your damn manners, sir.'
Bolitho was standing apart from them, only half listening to their hushed anger. Once again Blundell's interference was to put him and the ship in real jeopardy. But the facts were unchanged. He turned to conceal his despair. All he had was the hope that Bonaventure would not find them. That he could set sail on the battered Indiaman and leave the area with all possible haste?
The mate, Dennis, came aft again.' I've got the hands bending on a new fores'l, sir. Apart from that we've little spare canvas aboard, not made up that is? This is a Company ship, and we were expecting to have a complete overhaul once we reached Bristol? That's why we sailed shorthanded and one officer under strength.' He wiped his hand across his lined face.' If you hadn't found us I think more of the men might have gone mad and mutinied. We've a fair sprinkling of rogues amongst the passengers as well as honest ones.'
Bolitho looked up as a block swayed and clattered against the mizzen topmast. He saw the torn sails stirring like ragged banners, the sudden movement in the bright Company flag. He frowned. The wind was freshening. Very slightly, but it made things harder if he was to face the decision which had to be made?
And yet, there was still a chance he might be wrong? If so, all this would do nothing but harm and cause more suffering to the passengers?
He pulled out his watch and flipped open the cover? Less than four hours of visibility left?
'Mr. Tyrrell, have the Royal Anne's boats lowered at once. Send a message to Graves and tell him I want our boats and fifty seamen here without delay. We must work like the devil if we are to get this ship fit to make sail again.' He waited until Tyrrell and the Indiaman's mate had hurried away before saying, 'Well, Sir James, I must see what needs to be done.'
The general called after him, 'And if as you fear the enemy appears, do you intend to steal away and leave us?' He sounded hoarse with suppressed anger.' Will written orders save your disgrace after taking such a course?'
Bolitho stopped and faced him again.' No, Sir James, to both questions. If we are allowed time I will transfer all Royal Anne's passengers and additional hands to my own ship.'
The general's eyes were bulging.' What? Leave the cargo and sail away without it?' He seemed stunned in disbelief?
Bolitho shifted his gaze outboard, watching the boats alongside, the slow return of order as his own men took control?
Of course, he should have realised. The general's booty was on board, too. Surprisingly, the thought helped to steady him. He could even smile as he said, «You can appreciate the need for haste, sir. For both our reasons!'
Tyrrell fell in step beside him.' That took th' wind from his sails!'
Bolitho said, 'It is no joke. If we can get under way in company at dawn we will have a fair chance. It may be that the Bonaventure changed tack altogether when we lost her. She could be many leagues away by now.'
Tyrrell glanced at him.' But you don't think so?'
'No.' He stepped aside as broken rigging was dragged like black snakes from an upended boat.' It is the when rather than the if which troubles me.'
Tyrrell pointed across the bulwark.' Graves is sending th' first of th' men over.' He grimaced.' It'll leave him shorthanded in Sparrow. Barely enough to work ship.'
Bolitho shrugged.' If the company was halved by fever the rest would have to manage.'
He added, 'Now let us meet the ladies. They will be more worried than the general, I should imagine.'
There were about fifty of them. Crowded together below the high poop, but separated by their rank and station in that other world outside the ship. Old and young, plain and beautiful, they watched Bolitho in silence, as if he had risen from the sea like a messenger from Neptune?
'Ladies.' He licked his lips as a strikingly beautiful girl in a gown of yellow silk smiled at him. He tried again.' I must regret the inconvenience, but there is much to do before we can see you safely on your voyage.' She was still smiling. Direct. Amused. Just the way which always reduced him to confusion.' Ifanyone is injured my surgeon will do his best for her. E meal is being prepared, and my own men will stand guard over your quarters.'
The girl asked, 'Do you think the enemy will comes Captain?' She had a cool, confident voice which spoke of education and breeding?
He hesitated.' It is always possible.'
She showed her even teeth.' There now. What profound words from so young a King's officer!' Severyl of the others smiled. Some even laughed aloud?
Bolitho said stiffly, 'If you will excuse me, ladies.' He shot the girl a fierce stare.' I have work to do.'
Tyrrell hid a smile as he strode past him, recalling Stockdale's words. So angry that not a man jack would draw near. He was angry now. Blazing. It was goods Tyrrell concluded. It might take his mind off the real danger?
A servant girl touched his arm.' Beggin' yer pardon, sir, but there's a lady below in a poor way. Vera feverish.'
Bolitho stopped and looked at them.' Fetch the surgeon.'
He tensed as the other girl came towards him, her face suddenly grave?
'I am sorry I made you angry, Captain. It was unforgivable.'
'Angry?' Bolitho plucked at his swordbelt.' I do not recollect…'
She touched his hand.' Now that is beneath you, Captain. Unsure maybe, but never pompous. I see you quite differently.'
'When you have quite finished…'
Again she stopped him without even raising her voice.' The other women were close on hysterias Captain. One minute the storm was throwing us about like rag dolls, the very next instant there is the cry ob mutiny and riot. Men
