'Had Undine been beaten in open combat I would have removed Captain Bolitho from command. He knows that well enough, and so should the rest of you. The Navy is too often expected to fight greater forces than itself possesses, and has been so successful in the past that victory against ridiculous odds is now taken for granted. By the empty-minded men of politics, and those who care more for quick profit than lasting security! As it is, Captain Bolitho will be required to sail without further delay, other than completing necessary repairs, for Muljadi's own territory in the strait.' He looked at Bolitho calmly. 'You will make contact with Argus's captain, under flag of truce, and convey a message which I will give you.'
Raymond said quickly, 'May I suggest, plead with you, sir, that you allow Don Puigserver to go with Captain Bolitho? He has the right to demand the freedom of Spain's last governor here, Colonel Pastor. He could explain his displeasure at such-'
Conway shouted, his voice bounding back from the timbered walls. 'I have been appointed governor, Raymond! I don't need your apron strings, nor do I need the help of the King of Spain, d'you understand?'
Raymond's defiance wilted under Conway's sudden anger. He said nothing.
Puigserver stood up and walked slowly towards the door, followed gratefully by Capitan Vega.
He paused and looked back at them, his eyes very dark. 'I would have accompanied Capitan Bolitho with pleasure, of course.' He smiled briefly. 'I have a great admiration for his courage, his…' he searched for the word, '… his integrity. But I have much to do. My task is to embark the remaining Spanish soldiers and their dependents on to the Bedford.' He glanced at Conway, his smile fading. 'As you remarked this morning, the flag of Spain no longer has authority here.'
Bolitho watched him stride out. He had sensed the tension as soon as he had arrived. It could not have been easy for Conway. Fretting over lack of news, waiting for supplies and troops to arrive. But he was wrong to antagonise Puigserver. If things went badly here, Conway would need all the references he could get, even in Spain.
Jardine remarked vaguely, 'I'd better be off then. Settle the sepoy s in their company lines, and replace the marines as sentries and pickets.'
No thanks, no admiration for what Captain Bellairs and his marines had achieved in so short a time. Bolitho glanced through the window again. The encroaching brush and creeper cleared away, and corpses buried. The place used as a hospital had been cleaned and painted, and even Whitmarsh had been full of praise for their efforts.
Conway nodded. 'I will meet you here after sunset, Major.'
Bolitho waited until the two soldiers had left the room and then said, 'I am sorry about my outburst, sir. But I have had my bellyful of his kind.'
Conway grunted. 'Perhaps. But you will hold your tongue in future. If Jardine commanded only a handful of crippled beggars I would say the same. I need every man I can get.'
Raymond stood up and yawned. 'This damned heat. I think I'll take a nap before dinner.'
He, too, walked out. He did not look at Bolitho.
Conway said softly, 'He disliked your remark about bearing arms, you know.' He chuckled. 'His wife has been singing the praises of sea-officers in general during your absence, and you in particular.' He frowned. 'I seem to be plagued with those intent on disruption.'
'Is she well, sir?' He could not face him. 'I have not seen her since my return.'
'She's been assisting that sot of a surgeon with the sick and wounded.' His eyebrows mounted. 'Surprised? By God, Bolitho, you've much to learn about women!' He nodded sharply. 'But you'll see, all in good time.'
Bolitho recalled her refusal to help tend the injured aboard Undine after Puigserver had been carried aboard more dead than alive. And her reasons? He sighed. Perhaps Puigserver and Conway were both right. He had much to learn.
He replied, 'I will return to the ship, sir. There will be a lot to arrange.'
'Yes.' Conway watched him thoughtfully. 'And remember., When you meet Argus's captain, keep your personal feelings to yourself. He is doing his own work as best he can. You would do the same if so ordered. If Le Chaumareys is still in command, and not killed by one of your guns, he will be eager to meet you also. He is older than you, but I think you may have something in common.' His lines deepened as he added dryly, 'A disrespect for your superiors, if nothing else!'
Bolitho picked up his hat. You could never be sure about Conway. Where the warmth ended and the steel began.
Conway said, 'Please come ashore tonight and dine with the rest of…' he waved one hand around the room, '… the castaways.'
Bolitho recognised the dismissal and walked from the room.
Beyond the palisades the jungle was as thick and as overpowering as ever, and yet already the place felt familiar, lasting.
He found Allday lounging in the shade below the main entrance. He was watching some native women who were washing clothes in a large wooden trough. They were small and olive-skinned, and although well covered, displayed supple charm which Allday apparently admired greatly.
He straightened his back and said, 'All done, Captain?' He saw Bolitho's glance and nodded. 'Fair little wenches. We will have to watch our people, Captain.'
'Only the people?'
Allday grinned. 'Ah, well now…'
At that moment Bolitho saw the surgeon emerge from the makeshift hospital, wiping his hands on a rag and squinting into the slanting sunlight.
He saw Bolitho and nodded. 'Two of the men wounded in your battle can return to work, sir. Two more died, as you know, but the rest stand a good chance of survival.' He looked away. 'Until the next time.'
Bolitho considered his words. A total of twelve had died because of Argus. Despite the luck at there being few in comparison to the fierceness of the battle, it was too many. He sighed. Perhaps Herrick had got some more 'volunteers' from the other ships.
Whitmarsh said, 'Your coxswain did a good job, by the way. The boy should have died by rights.' He looked at Allday. 'Wasted. You should make something of your life.'
Bolitho said quietly, 'I am glad you thanked him for his efforts on Mr. Keen's behalf. But I am sure he will decide his own future.'
Allday could have been stone-deaf for all the notice he paid to their comments.
Whitmarsh said, 'Well, anyway, sir, I've cleaned up a bit here. Most of them will heal, although a few more will die before they reach Spain. Disease mostly, of course.'
'Of course?'
Whitmarsh looked him full in the eyes. 'Rotten with it. Just as they have given it to these poor ignorant savages, too. If any one of your sailors comes to me with that damned pox, I'll make him wish he'd never touched a woman in his life!'
'They are your sailors, too, Mr. Whitmarsh.'
Bolitho regarded him searchingly. Despite his usual attitude where naval matters were concerned, he looked a great deal better. Or perhaps there was little to drink here? Either way, he was nothing like the drunken hulk who had tumbled aboard in England.
'So there you are, Captain!'
He turned and saw her watching him from the entrance. She was almost covered by a white smock, and wore the same straw hat she had brought from Santa Cruz. Her eyes were in shadow, but there was no doubting the warmth of her smile.
He replied, 'I am grateful for what you have done, ma'am.'
Whitmarsh nodded. 'She is the one who took charge here. Organised the whole hospital from top to bottom.' His admiration was genuine.
She smiled at Allday and then slipped her hand through Bolitho's arm.
'I'll walk with you to the beach, if I may. It is so refreshing to have you back again.'
Bolitho could feel Whitmarsh and Allday watching them.
He said, 'You are looking, er, very well.'
Her hand tightened very slightly. 'Say Viola.'
He smiled. 'Viola.'
