Honour This Day

Puerto Cabello, eighty miles further westward along the coast of the Main.

But suppose the enemy did not fall for the ruse, would not believe that the British men-of-war were intending to cut out the new addition to their fleet?

So much depended on Price's maps and observations, and above all, luck,

He looked down at the deck far below and bit his lip. He knew he would never have sent a subordinate to carry out such a mission even nine years back when he had commanded the old Hyperion. He glanced at the marines. 'There's work for all of you soon, my lads.'

He swung himself down on to the futtock shrouds, more conscious of their faces split into huge grins than of the wind which flapped around his coat as if to fling him to the deck. It was so easy. A word, a smile, and they would die for you. It made him feel bitter and humble at the same time.

By the time he had reached the quarterdeck his mind had cleared. 'Very well. In one hour we shall alter course to the sou' west.' He saw the others nod. 'Have Upholder and Tetrarch tack closer to the land. I don't want the Dons to get near enough to see our strength.' He saw Penhaligon the sailing master give a wry smile and added, 'Or our lack of it. Thor will hold to windward of us in company with Vesta. Let me know when it is light enough to make signals.' He turned towards the poop and then paused. 'Captain Haven, a moment if you please.'

In the great cabin the strengthening sunlight made strange patterns on the caked salt which had spattered the stern windows. Most of the ship had been cleared for action before dawn. Bolitho's quarters were like a reminder of better times, until these screens were taken down, and the cabin furniture with all traces of his occupation here were taken to the security of the hold. He glanced at the black-barrelled nine-pounders which faced their closed ports on either side of the cabin. Then these two beauties would have the place to themselves.

Haven waited for Ozzard to close the screen door and withdraw, then stood with his feet apart, his hat balanced in both hands.

Bolitho looked at the sea beyond the smeared glass. 'I intend to shift to Thor at dusk. You will take Hyperion with Vesta and Tetrarch in company. By first light tomorrow you should be in sight of Puerto Cabello and the enemy will be convinced that you intend to attack. They will not know your full strength – we have been lucky in reaching this far undetected.' He turned in time to see the captain gripping his hat so fiercely that it buckled in his fingers. He had expected an outburst or perhaps the outline of an alternative strategy. Haven said nothing, but stared at him as if he had misheard.

Bolitho continued quietly, 'There is no other way. If we are to capture or destroy a treasure-ship it must be done at anchor. We have too few ships for an extended search if she slips past us.'

Haven swallowed hard. 'But to go yourself, sir? In my experience I have never known such a thing.'

'With God's help and a little luck, Captain Haven, I should be in position in the shallows to the west of La Guaira at the very moment you are making your mock attack.' He faced him steadily. 'Do not risk your ships. If a large enemy force arrives you will discontinue the action and stand away. The wind is still steady at north-by-west. Mr Penhaligon believes it may back directly which would be in our favour.'

Haven looked around the cabin as if to seek an escape.

'He may be wrong, sir.'

Bolitho shrugged. 'I would not dare to disagree with him.'

But his attempt to lighten the tension was lost as Haven blurted out, 'If I am forced to withdraw, who will believe -'

Bolitho looked away to hide his disappointment. 'I will have new orders written for you. No blame will be laid at your door.'

Haven said, 'I was not suggesting it merely for my own benefit, sir!'

Bolitho sat down on the bench seat and tried not to think of all those other times when he had sat here. Hopes, plans, anxieties.

He said, 'I shall want thirty seamen from your company. I would prefer an officer whom they know to command them.'

Haven said instantly, 'May I suggest my first lieutenant, sir?'

Their eyes met. I thought you might. He nodded. 'Agreed.'

Calls trilled from the quarterdeck and Haven glanced at the door.

Bolitho said abruptly, 'I have not yet finished.' He tried to remain calm but Haven's behaviour was unnerving. 'If the enemy does throw a force against you there is no way that you can cover my withdrawal from La Guaira. '

Haven lifted his chin slightly. 'If you say so, Sir Richard.'

'I do. In which case you will assume command of the flotilla.'

'And may I ask what you would do, sir?'

Bolitho stood up.'What I came to do.' He sensed that Allday was waiting close by the door. Another argument, when he told him he was not coming over to Thor with him.

'Before you leave, Captain Haven.' He tried not to blink as the mist filtered persistently across his left eye. 'Do not have those men flogged. I cannot interfere, because everyone aboard would know that I had taken sides, as you already knew when you crossed swords with your senior in my presence.' He thought he saw Haven pale slightly. 'These people have little enough, God knows, and to see their messmates flogged before being ordered into battle can do nothing but harm. Loyalty is all-important, but remember that while you are under my flag, loyalty goes both ways.'

Haven backed away. 'I hope I know my duty, Sir Richard.'

'So do I. ' He watched the door close, then exclaimed, 'God damn him!'

But it was Jenour who entered, wiping tar from his fingers with a piece of rag.

He watched as if to gauge Bolitho's mood, and said, 'A fine view from up there. I have come to report that your signals have been made and acknowledged.' He glanced up as feet thudded overhead and voices echoed from the maindeck. 'We are about to change tack, Sir Richard.'

Bolitho barely heard. 'What is the matter with that man, eh?'

Jenour remarked, 'You have told him what you intend.'

Bolitho nodded. 'I'd have thought any captain would have jumped at the chance to cast his admiral adrift. I know I did.' He stared round the cabin, searching for ghosts. 'Instead, he thinks of nothing but-' He checked himself. It was unthinkable to discuss the flag captain with Jenour. Was he so isolated that he could find no other solace?

Jenour said simply, 'I am not so impertinent as to say what I think, Sir Richard.' He looked up and added, 'But I would stand by whatever you ordered me to do.'

Bolitho relaxed and clapped him on the shoulder. 'They say that faith can move a mountain, Stephen!'

Jenour stared. Bolitho had called him by name. It was probably a mistake.

Bolitho said, 'We will transfer to Thor before dusk. It must be smartly done, Stephen, for we have a long way to travel.'

It was not a mistake. Jenour seemed to glow. He stammered, 'Your coxswain is waiting outside, Sir Richard.' He watched as Bolitho strode across the cabin, then chilled as he cannoned into a chair which Haven must have moved.

'Are you all right, Sir Richard?' He fell back as Bolitho turned towards him. But this time there was no anger in his sensitive features. Bolitho said quietly, 'My eye troubles me a little. It is nothing. Now send in my cox'n.'

Allday walked past the lieutenant and said, 'I have to speak my piece, Sir Richard. When you goes across to that bomb,' he almost spat out the word, Til be beside you. Like always, an' I don't give a bugger, beggin' your pardon, Sir Richard.'

Bolitho retorted, 'You've been drinking, Allday.'

'A bit, sir. Just a few wets afore we leave the ship.' He put his head on one side like a shaggy dog. 'We will, won't we, sir?'

It came out surprisingly easily. 'Yes, old friend. Together. One more time.'

Allday regarded him gravely, sensing his despair. 'Wot is it, sir?'

'I nearly told that youngster, Jenour. Nearly came right out with it.' He was talking to himself aloud. 'That I'm