someone expecting an attack?
He continued, 'I would have preferred to meet ma first lieutenant on board when I arrived.'
'I have sent Cap'n Ransome's remains ashore to be conveyed home with his possessions, sir. As you were not yet in command I felt personally free to act as] thought fit.' He looked at Bolitho evenly.' I was aboard th' flagship to ask, plead if required, for a transfer to another ship. It was refused.'
'You felt that by being passed over for command that your talents would be better suited elsewhere, is that it?'
Tyrrell gave a slow smile. It changed him instantly from an angry man to one of obvious charm, with the inbuilt recklessness of a fighter?
'I really am sorry, sir. But no, it was not that. As you no doubt know, I am what th' late Cap'n Ransome would term a `local colonist.' ' He added bitterly, 'Although when I came aboard a year back it appeared we were all on th' same side against the rebels.'
Bolitho stiffened. It was strange he had never considered the feelings of those like Tyrrell before? Good American families, loyal to the Crown, the first to stand together against the sudden revolution in their midst. But as the war had spread, and Britain had fought to retain a grip, then a foothold in the colony, the loyal ones like Tyrrell had all at once become the outsiders?
He asked quietly, 'Where is your home?'
' Virginia. Gloucester County. My father came out from England to found a coastal shipping trade. I was master of one of his schooners when th' war began.] have been in th' King's service since that time.'
'And your family?'
Tyrrell looked away.' God knows. I have heard nothing of them.'
'And you wished to transfer to a ship nearer home? To take yourself back to what you now consider your own people?' Bolitho did not conceal the bite in his tone?
'No, sir. That ain't it.' He raised one arm and dropped it again, his voice angry.' I am a King's officers no matter what Ransome chose to believe, damn his eyes!'
Bolitho stood up.' I will not have talk of your late captain!'
Tyrrell replied stubbornly, 'Cap'n Ransome is safe now in his cask of spirits in th' hold of a transport. His widow at his great London residence will weep for hims his service which cost him his life.' He laughed shortly? 'Fever, they said.' He looked round the cabin.' See all this, sir? A woman's hand. We barely logged a mile in Sparrow, without him having some damned doxa aboard for company!' He seemed unable to stop himself.' That's th' sort of fever which killed him in the end, and damned good riddance, if you ask me.'
Bolitho sat down. Once again the ground had been cut from under him. Women, here in this cabin. He had heard of such things in grander ships, but only occasionally. But in Sparrow, where there could be little safety if called to do battle, it was unthinkable?
Tyrrell was studying him grimly.' I had to tell you, sir? It's my way. But I'll say this one thing more. If disease hadn't taken him, I'd have killed him myself.'
Bolitho looked up sharply.' Then you're a fool! If you have no more strength than in your bare hands then] will ask for your transfer, and make no mistake about it!'
Tyrrell stared at a point beyond Bolitho's shoulder?
'Would you behave so calmly, sir, if one of th' women had been your sister?'
The door opened a bare inch and Stockdale's battered face peered in at them. In his hand was balanced a small silver tray, two glasses and a decanter?
He wheezed, 'Thought you might want a bit od refreshment, sir.' He watched the two men and added, “Sort o' celebration like.'
Bolitho gestured to the table and waited until Stockdale had left. Still without speaking he filled the glasses, conscious of Tyrrell's eyes following every movement. A bad start. For both of them. If there was still time to make amends it was now. This minute. IfTyrrell took advantage of his surrender, there was no saying where it would lead?
He handed him a glass and said gravely, 'I have two sisters, Mr. Tyrrell. In answer to your question, I daresay that I would not.' He smiled, seeing the sudden surprise in the lieutenant's eyes.' I suggest you propose a toast for the pair of us, eh?'
Tyrrell reached out and held his glass against Bolitho's?
'Then let's drink to a new beginning, sir.'
Bolitho held his glass steady.' No transfer?'
He shook his head.' None.'
Bolitho raised the glass.' Then, to a new beginning.' He took a sip and added quietly, 'Which is well for your Mr. Tyrrell. We are sailing tomorrow to join the inshore squadron.' He paused, seeing the sudden desperation on the other man's features.' Not so very far from the coast of Maryland.'
Tyrrell said, 'Thank God. I know I'm being stupid, but just being off that shoreline again will make th' world a difference.'
Bolitho put down his glass.' Then I will meet our officers informally at the close of the first dog watch.' He was careful to make his tone formal again. Each ob them had shown enough of his inner reserves for the present.' In the meantime you can take me on an inspection around the ship. And I will want to see everything, good and bad.'
Tyrrell nodded.' So you shall, sir.' A slow grin spread across his face.' I have a shrewd feeling that Sparrow is going to fly like she's never done before.' He stood aside as Bolitho threw on his coat and buttoned his shirt.' Now if you will follow me, sir.'
Bolitho looked at Tyrrell's broad shoulders as they walked towards the sunlight on the gun deck and held down a sigh. If each day was going to present a battle of wills, it would make the privilege of command a testing experience?
He said, 'We will begin with the starboard battery, Mr. Tyrrell.'
The first lieutenant paused below the break in the quarterdeck.' As you said, sir. Everything.' He grinned again.' Good and bad.'
Stockdale picked up Bolitho's shaving bowl and peered at the untouched breakfast on the cabin table? Overhead and throughout the ship the air was alive with noise and bustle. To a landsman the activity ob preparing to get under way would appear haphazard and disorganised, but to the practised eye each man had his place, and his reason for being there. The miles of cordage and rigging, each scrap of sail had Z
vital part to play if a ship was to move and act to perfection?
Bolitho crossed to the stern windows and stared at the nearest strip of land. It was a bright morning, with the sky above the hills very pale, washed-out and clean. He could just see the staff above the headland battery, its flag no longer listless but lifting and curling to a fair northeysterly. It was almost physical pain to stay sealed in the cabin, waiting and fretting for the exact moment to show himself?
Voices pealed along the upper deck and shadows flitted busily across the skylight. Occasionally he could hear the plaintive squeak of a fiddle, the distorted rumble of a shanty as the men tramped around the capstan?
In the past hours and for most of the night he had tossed and turned in his cot, listening to the sea noises, the creak of timbers and rigging, his mind exploring every contingency, his brain bursting to the mental picture of his chart. Every unemployed eye would be watching him this morning. From the flagship's quarterdeck to some unknown lieutenant who probably hated Bolitho for getting the golden chance which he considered should have been his?
'The coffee, sir.' Stockdale hovered by the table? 'While it's still 'ot.'
Bolitho swung round to curse him for breaking his racing thoughts, but the sight of his anxious face was too much for him. As was so often the case?
He sat down at the table and tried to relax? Stockdale was right. If he had forgotten anything it was already too late. You could cram your head just so much. After that the mind became awash and confused beyond reason?
He sipped his coffee and stared at the cold meat? He could not touch that. His stomach was already twisting with apprehension, the lean slices of pork would be just enough to tip the balance?
Stockdale peered through the windows.' It will be a good passage, sir. Long enough to get the measure ob these fellows.'
Bolitho glanced up at him. He must be a mind-reader. In company with another sloop they were to escort two
