The first lieutenant, a gaunt, harassed-looking mans bobbed his head in welcome?
'The captain is aft, sir. He is preparing his strategy, otherwise?
Maulby stepped from the shade of the gangway and took his arm.' Otherwise, my friend, he would have had the good grace to meet us at the entry port, eh?' He laughed at the lieutenant's embarrassment.' You, sirs deserve rich recognition for your penance aboard this ship.'
Together they strode beneath the poops automatically ducking their heads despite the ample room above?
A marine stamped his boots together and threw open the cabin door, his eyes never blinking or shifting until both officers had stepped over the coaming?
Colquhoun was standing by the stern windows, studying his watch with obvious impatience?
'So you have arrived, gentlemen.' He sat down at his table.' Eventually.'
Bolitho relaxed slightly. So it was to be this way?
He replied, 'We had adverse winds overnight, sir.'
Maulby added calmly, 'And I thought you might be closer inshore, sir. We seem to be somewhat, er, out ob touch with affairs at present.' He glanced towards his own ship as she rolled uneasily about a cable from Bacchante's quarter.' But I expect you have a reason for that, sir.'
Colquhoun stared at him fixedly, as if to seek out the truth of his words. Fortunately he seemed quite oblivious to Maulby's sarcasm?
He snapped, 'Look at my chart.' They gathered round and he tapped it with some brass dividers.' The Frenchman is here. I sent a cutter under sail before dawn to investigate.' He looked up, his eyes triumphant.' So there's an end to speculation.'
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 to link with the notorious Matanilla Shoal. The latter then turned eastward, enclosing the great span of open water known as the Little Bahama Bank like one monstrous snare. In places the water was only feet deep, and the fathoms were few and far between?
According to Colquhoun's marks on the chart, the French ship had passed through or around one of the cays to rest up on the other side of the island. It was perfect for anyone trying to avoid a skirmish. For on this side and elsewhere in the channel the sea bottom was over two hundred fathoms, and any hope of a close attack was foiled by the steepness of the island's face. Whereas on the other side, within the Little Bahama Bank, the water was very shallow and sandy, ideal for a master who wished to careen his ship and carry out temporary repairs?
'Was your cutter seen, sir?' Maulby did not look up?
'Of course not!' Colquhoun seemed angry even at the simple suggestion.' My first lieutenant was in charge. He knows what would happen to him if he allowed such carelessness.' He calmed himself with an effort.' He saw many lights on the water. The cutter pulled through the surf and between two sandbars and watched the enemy at work. She's big, probably a forty-gun frigate with some armament removed. Must have touched bottom and sustained damage sometime after entering the islands.'
Bolitho glanced at his profile. Colquhoun was very excited, there was no doubt about it, despite his efforts to conceal his true emotions. There was a strong smell of brandy, and he guessed he had been celebrating privately the victory already in his pocket?
He asked quietly, 'What do you intend, sir?'
Colquhoun looked at him searchingly.' I am working on the assumption that the enemy is near finished repairs. Now, he will either continue on passage, or make for Martinique again if he is badly holed and needing greater help. Either way, we must act at once and avoid another chase.'
'I would suggest a boat action, sir. We would cross the bar from two directions and cut her out before they know what is happening. With men and boats from all three ships we can swamp her defences with darkness on our side.'
Colquhoun said mildly, 'With you in overall command of the boats, no doubt?'
Bolitho flushed angrily.' Your frigate is too large by half to be of use in those confined waters, sir! If the Frenchman makes a run for it, or decides to show fights you will be needed to present your ship to him and without delay.'
'Easy, Bolitho.' Colquhoun was smiling gently.' You rise quickly to my words. Such haste to speak tends to show guilt more than conviction.'
He turned swiftly before Bolitho could reply.' You, Maulby, will take Fawn across the bar tonight, under sweeps if required, but I want you in position at dawn tomorrow.' He leaned over the chart again.' If the enemy is repaired enough to make sail he will no doubt hope for one of three possible channels. To the north his passage could be adversely affected by wind and tide. South is more likely, in which case Bacchante will be well placed to take him as he tacks around the
point. But if he is still laid up or careened, you will be able to rake him there and then. He will see no use in firing back at you. Just a few more holes will be sufficient to render him immovable, or long enough for us to present more drastic measures.' He wagged one finger.' But I know these Frogs. They'll not fight if the odds are so well laid.'
Across his bowed shoulders Maulby looked at Bolitho and shrugged?
Bolitho said nothing, knowing Colquhoun was waiting for him to protest. Sparrow was better suited to the task as defined by Colquhoun. Her armament was heavier, and her thirty-two pounders were far more accurate and deadly than Fawn's lesser battery ob nine-pounders. He knew that any such suggestions however, would only bear out Colquhoun's earlier hint that he was greedy for more success and fame, or that he was a better man than Maulby for the mission?
Maulby asked slowly, 'Will you send men overlands sir?'
Colquhoun still did not look at them.' God in heaven0 Where is all this stuff of combat I have been reading in the Gazette? I am beginning to wonder at its substance!'
Bolitho said, 'It is a sensible suggestion, sir. I would prefer a boat action by night, but in daylight a force ob men, including your marines, would be able to…' He got no further?
Colquhoun straightened like a steel spring.' Enough of this! My plan leaves no room for nervous fumbling about the rocks like a lot of damn lizards! That Frenchman is as good as taken, and I intend to sail her into port intact and with her cargo or whatever ready for closer inspection!'
He walked from the table and stared at a half-filled decanter on his desk. As he reached out for it Bolitho saw his hand was shaking with anger or agitation. His voice was equally unsteady as he continued, 'And you, Bolitho, will close from the north. Stay out of sight until the time of attack and then make contact with me for further orders.' His fingers closed around the decanter like claws.' That is all. My clerk will give you written details of attack as you leave.'
They left the cabin and walked in silence to the quarterdeck?
Maulby spoke first.' It should be your doing, Dick.] agree with you about trying to cut the enemy out, but either way, it is your right to lead if Colquhoun intends to stand offshore.'
Bolitho touched his shoulder.' I wish you all success, but you know that. You are more than due for promotion, and I hope this will bring it for you.'
Maulby grimaced.' I'll not deny that I'd relish the chance. But I would wish it done with less bitterness.' He glanced aft.' That man will be the death of me with his bloody moods.'
Bolitho bit his lip, trying to find the right words?
'Look, John, take good care. I know Colquhoun is desperate for this victory, but I do not share his scorn for Frenchmen. They fight well, they fight with courage? They are not given to empty gestures, even in the cannon's mouth.'
Maulby nodded, his eyes grave.' Have no fear. If that Frenchman decides to match gun for gun with me I will haul off and await support.'
Bolitho forced a smile. Maulby was lying to ease his troubled mind. Lying as he would probably do under similar conditions. Before and after a fight at sea there was always room for recriminations and counter-proposals, but once joined in battle there was usually only one thought. To fight, to keep on firing until the enemy broke or the tide turned against you?
'Boats alongside!' The first lieutenant greeted them with a tired smile.' Is it done, sir?'
Maulby held up his written orders.' Aye. Done.'
