Mutiny

_{this was the moment for which they had put themselves in the shadow of the noose.}

_{With every eye on him, Parker walked up to the black door and knocked. It was immediately opened by Admiral Buckner.}

_{'Sir,' Parker said, with the utmost gravity, 'I understand that the First Lord is present within.'}

_{'He is.' There was tension in Buckner's voice.}

_{'And the board?'}

 

_{'They are.' Something about Buckner's manner made Kydd uneasy.}

_{'We should like to know if these are the same lords who have been at Portsmouth.'}

_{'They are.'}

_{Parker stepped back a pace. 'Then, sir, we respectfully request their lordships to come aboard the Sandwich and settle the business.'}

_{There was a rustle of anticipation in the delegates behind him: they would finally get a glimpse of the shadowy figures with whom they had been locked in a clash of wills, but there was not a single movement.}

_{'Sir?' prodded Parker.}

_{Buckner stood irresolute. He said something in a voice so low it was inaudible.}

_{'I beg your pardon, sir?'}

_{'I said, their lordships will not do that.'}

_{'Will not do that? Please be clear, sir.'}

_{'Er, excuse me.' Buckner withdrew into the house. Inaudible rumbling of speech could be heard, then he re-emerged. 'His lordship insists he will see you only for the purpose of declaring that you accept the King's Pardon and return to duty.'}

_{Parker drew a deep breath. 'Then pray, sir, how will our grievances be taken under consideration, if the First Lord will not hear them?'}

_{Again Buckner wavered. 'I — please, pardon.' He again disappeared inside.}

_{The seaman next to Kydd shifted his position and muttered, 'Shy bastard, 'is lordship, don't want t' be seen talkin' to our faces.'}

_{Buckner came out, visibly agitated. 'Lord Spencer reminds you that all of your grievances have been redressed. No discussion can possibly take place with their lordships.'}

_{'Sir, you are a man of sense. This is no way to conduct negotiations between—'}

_{'If you accept His Majesty's most gracious pardon you will be allowed to declare it personally to their lordships. Their lordships will then pronounce to you the pardon in the King's name.'}

_'Then—'

_{Buckner straightened his stoop and looked Parker directly in the eye. 'That is all.'}

_{For a long moment Parker stared doggedly ahead, then wheeled round and pushed his way through the crowd. 'Wh-where 're we going, Dick?' someone asked.}

_{'To perdition, shipmate!' he replied hoarsely.}

_{Kydd hurried to keep up. 'Th' Chequers?'}

_'Sandwich’

 

_{The admiral's Great Cabin filled}