'I see.'
Bolitho felt the cabin closing in around him, saw the nearest faces watching him like a row of greedy birds?
The admiral sighed.' I will continue. After leaving the other vessels you proceeded towards your allotted station.'
'Yes, sir.'
The admiral looked up with a jerk.' Then why did you cross the bar?' He slapped one hand on the papers, bringing a mingled gasp from the spectators.' Was it guilt? Did you at last realise that Captain Colquhoun was right and that he needed your support in the south?'
'No, sir.' He could feel his hands shaking, the sweat like ice-rime between his shoulders.' I have stated ma reasons. We lost the wind, I had no option but to tac7
when I did.' Pictures flashed through his mind like parts of a nightmare. Heyward, ashamed at losing control of the ship. Buckle, doubtful and anxious for her safety as he had told him his intentions. He heard himself add quietly, 'Commander Maulby was ma friend.'
The senior member of the court regarded him flatly? 'Really?'
Bolitho turned his head and saw Colquhoun for the first time. He was shocked to see the change in him? He was very pale, and in the reflected light his skin was the texture of wax. He was standing with his arms limp at his sides, his body moving only slightly to the gentle tilt of the deck. But his eyes were the worst part. They were fixed on Bolitho's face, on his mouth when he spoke, and shone with such incredible hatred that Bolitho exclaimed, 'Tell them the truth!'
Colquhoun made as if to step forward, but his escort, the marine captain, touched his arm and he relaxed again?
The admiral snapped, 'That will do, Captain Bolitho, I'll have no exchanges in this court!'
The senior captain coughed discreetly and continued, 'The rest we know. The French deceptions and your destruction of their flute, all of which is above criticism. Despite obvious dangers you managed to rescue some of Fawn's company, and severyl of her wounded are now alive and recovering, thanks to your efforts.'
Bolitho watched him emptily. He had done his dutys but the lies already told by Colquhoun about his character, and his statement which only Maulby could confirm, made a mockery of it. He looked down at Colquhoun's sword on the table. His own might he there soon. He found he cared little about that, but the slur on his name he could not bear?
The admiral looked around the crowded cabin.'] think we have heard enough before we withdraw, gentlemen?'
Bolitho swayed. A long lunch. More delays. It was torture?
Like most of those present he jerked round as a chair at the rear of the court went over with a loud clatter?
A husky voice shouted, 'No, dammee, I won't keep still! In God's name, I've given me eyes for the King. Ain't I allowed to speak the truth?'
The admiral rasped, 'Keep silent there! Or I will call the officer of the guard!'
But it was no use. Most of the visitors were on their feet, all talking and shouting at once. Bolitho saw that some had even climbed on to their chairs to see what was happening behind them?
The admiral sat speechless, while the rest of the court waited for him to carry out his threat?
The voices died away, and the crowded figures parted to allow the small artist to come aft to the table? He was leading the seaman who had been blinded aboard Fawn and who had already stated briefly what he knew of the preparations to cut the cable and escape the French artillery?
Now, in his ragged trousers and borrowed blue coats with his head tilted as if to sniff out those nearest him, he approached the table?
The admiral said gravely, 'Very well, Richards.' He waited for the people to sit down again.' What is this you wish to say?'
The seaman reached out and gripped the edge ob the table, his bandaged eyes trained above the admiral's head?
'I were there, sir. Right there on th' quarterdeck with Cap'n Maulby!'
Nobody moved or spoke except the blind seaman named Richards?
Bolitho watched his hand as it moved vaguely in the air, saw his chest heaving as he relived those last terrible moments?
He said huskily, 'The Frogs had our measure, sir? We was all but dismasted an' with more'n half our brave lads cut down.'
The senior captain made as if to interrupt but the admiral's gold-laced cuff froze him to stillness?
'Th' sweeps was shot away, but all th' time Cap'n Maulby was shoutin' and cussin' in his same old style.' Beneath the stiff bandage the man's mouth twisted in a smile.' An' he could cuss when given occasion, sir.' The smile faded.' I were quartermaster an' alone at the
wheel. The master was down an' so was my mate, both killed. The first lieutenant were below havin' his arm offs an' it was then that th' cap'n turns to me an' cries, `God damn that Colquhoun, Richards! He's done for us this day!'' His head drooped and his fingers slipped from the table as he repeated brokenly, 'That's what he said. He's done for us this day.'
The admiral asked quietly, 'And then what happened?'
Richards waited for a few moments to compose himself. Still nobody moved or even whispered? Beyond the stern windows the wheeling gulls seemed too loud to be real?
Then he said, 'Mr. Fox, th' second lieutenant, had just gone forrard, I think to seek some men for the pumps. Severyl balls from th' Frog guns ashore came inboard an' killed Mr. Midshipman Vasey. He were only fourteen but a good lad when he put his mind to it? When he fell, th' cap'n shouts to me, If Richard Bolitho was with us today as he wanted to be, then by God wed show 'em, artillery or no.!'
The admiral snapped.' Are you absolutely certain. He said those very words?'
Richards nodded his head.' Aye, sir. I'm not likely to forget 'em. For it was then that we was hit again and the cro'jack yard came down to th' deck. It took Cap'n Maulby with it. He never even cried out.' He nodded again, very slowly.' He were a good cap'n, even if he did cuss more'n most.'
'I see.' The admiral glanced at his senior captain? Then he asked, 'Do you recall anything more?'
'We struck th' reef, sir. Th' mizzen come down an' a bloody swivel, beggin' your pardon, sir, exploded on the rail and took away me sight. I don't remember much else till I come-to aboard th' Sparrow.'
'Thank you.' The admiral gestured to a marine orderly.' I will see that you are taken care of.'
Richards groped up to knuckle his forehead and then said, 'Thankee, sir. I hopes you'll forgive me, but] had to speak me piece.'
He was guided between the watching faces, and as the cabin door closed a slow murmur began to grow like combined anger?
The admiral snapped, 'I will not order you to be silent again!'
'Surely you're not going to believe that lying hound? Colquhoun's voice was shrill.' That… that… half-wit.'
The marine captain stepped forward to restrain him but faltered as the admiral said calmly, 'Pray continues Captain Colquhoun.'
'Oh, I knew about Bolitho and Maulby all right! As thick as thieves!' Colquhoun had turned slightly, his arms outstretched as if to embrace the court.' And] was well aware that Bolitho wanted all the glory for himself. That was why I sent him to the north and gave Maulby the chance to prove himself.' He was speaking very rapidly, and his face was shining with sweat, '] saw through Bolitho's little game from the start, which was why he tried to condemn me. I knew he wanted to take the Frenchman for himself without giving me time to take up my proper attacking station. An attack overland and with boats indeed!' He stopped, his jaw hanging open with astonishment?
The admiral said coldly, 'So he did not agree with your plan of attack, Captain Colquhoun? Your testimony was a lie?'
Colquhoun turned and stared at him, his mouth still open, as if he had just been struck by a pistol ball and was beginning to feel its first searing agony?
'I-I…' He reeled away from the table.' I only wanted… he could not go on?
