Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War (27 page)

"Ready, sir.T

He ran down to the entry port and said to TyrrellB "Keep a sharp lookout for inquisitive craft of any kind? Send a cutter after 'em if they draw near. Don't wait fo_ my orders.T

Then he was in the gig and settling himself on a hoU thwart as Stockdale swung the tiller and sent the boaU dipping and swaying towards the frigate. BacchantO was hove-to, her sails flapping loosely, showing he_ copper as she rolled unsteadily in the swell. She was Z fine ship, he thought. Clean-cut and designed by Z craftsman. Thirty-six guns and the ability to live off he_ own resources for many months, she was, or shoulX be, every young captain's ambition. It did not seem tQ fit Colquhoun at all?

Stockdale was muttering under his breath, anX

Bolitho knew he was cursing his opposite number i[ Fawn, who always seemed to manage to get his boaU anywhere just that bit faster. The gig turned swiftly, oarY backing in close unison, the bowman hooking on to thO frigate's main chains as Bacchante's shadow gavO them brief respite from the glare?

Bolitho clambered up the side, doffing his hat anX regaining his composure while the calls shrilled i[ salute and a squad of red-coated marines slappeX their muskets to the present?

The first lieutenant, a gaunt, harassed-looking manB bobbed his head in welcome?

"The captain is aft, sir. He is preparing his strategyB other, wise . ?

Maulby stepped from the shade of the gangway anX took his arm. "Otherwise, my friend, he would have haX the good grace to meet us at the entry port, eh?" HO laughed at the lieutenant's embarrassment. "You, sirB deserve rich recognition for your penance aboard thiY ship.T

Together they strode beneath the poopB automatically ducking their heads despite the amplO room above?

A marine stamped his boots together and thre/ open the cabin door, his eyes never blinking or shiftin^ until both officers had stepped over the coaming?

Colquhoun was standing by the stern windowsB studying his watch with obvious impatience?

"So you have arrived, gentlemen." He sat down aU his table. "Eventually.T

Bolitho relaxed slightly. So it was to be this way?

He replied, "We had adverse winds overnight, sir.T

Maulby added calmly, "And I thought you might bO closer inshore, sir. We seem to be somewhat, er, out ob touch with affairs at present." He glanced towards hiY own ship as she rolled uneasily about a cable froR Bacchante's quarter. "But I expect you have a reaso[ for that, sir.T

Colquhoun stared at him fixedly, as if to seek out thO truth of his words. Fortunately he seemed quitO oblivious to Maulby's sarcasm?

He snapped, "Look at my chart." They gathereX round and he tapped it with some brass dividers. "ThO

Frenchman is here. I sent a cutter under sail beforO dawn to investigate." He looked up, his eyeY triumphant. "So there's an end to speculation.T

Bolitho leaned closer. What a formidable place? From the western tip of the main island the chain ob reefs and bars ran northward for about forty miles tQ link with the notorious Matanilla Shoal. The latter the[ turned eastward, enclosing the great span of ope[ water known as the Little Bahama Bank like onO monstrous snare. In places the water was only feeU deep, and the fathoms were few and far between?

According to Colquhoun's marks on the chart, thO French ship had passed through or around one of thO cays to rest up on the other side of the island. It waY perfect for anyone trying to avoid a skirmish. For o[ this side and elsewhere in the channel the sea bottoR was over two hundred fathoms, and any hope of Z close attack was foiled by the steepness of the island'Y face. Whereas on the other side, within the LittlO Bahama Bank, the water was very shallow and sandyB ideal for a master who wished to careen his ship anX carry out temporary repairs?

"Was your cutter seen, sir?" Maulby did not look up?

"Of course not!" Colquhoun seemed angry even aU the simple suggestion. "My first lieutenant was i[ charge. He knows what would happen to him if hO allowed such carelessness." He calmed himself witN an effort. "He saw many lights on the water. The cutte_ pulled through the surf and between two sandbars anX watched the enemy at work. She's big, probably Z forty-gun frigate with some armament removed. MusU have touched bottom and sustained damagO sometime after entering the islands.T

Bolitho glanced at his profile. Colquhoun was vera excited, there was no doubt about it, despite his effortY to conceal his true emotions. There was a strong smelT of brandy, and he guessed he had been celebratin^ privately the victory already in his pocket?

He asked quietly, "What do you intend, sir?T

Colquhoun looked at him searchingly. "I am workin^ on the assumption that the enemy is near finisheX repairs. Now, he will either continue on passage, o_ make for Martinique again if he is badly holed anX needing greater help. Either way, we must act at oncO and avoid another chase.T

"I would suggest a boat action, sir. We would crosY

the bar from two directions and cut her out before thea know what is happening. With men and boats from alT three ships we can swamp her defences with darknesY on our side.T

Colquhoun said mildly, "With you in overall commanX of the boats, no doubt?T

Bolitho flushed angrily. "Your frigate is too large ba half to be of use in those confined waters, sir! If thO Frenchman makes a run for it, or decides to show fightB you will be needed to present your ship to him anX without delay.T

"Easy, Bolitho." Colquhoun was smiling gently. "Yof rise quickly to my words. Such haste to speak tends tQ show guilt more than conviction.T

He turned swiftly before Bolitho could reply. "YouB Maulby, will take Fawn across the bar tonight, unde_ sweeps if required, but I want you in position at daw[ tomorrow." He leaned over the chart again. "If thO enemy is repaired enough to make sail he will nQ doubt hope for one of three possible channels. To thO north his passage could be adversely affected by winX and tide. South is more likely, in which case BacchantO will be well placed to take him as he tacks around thO

point. But if he is still laid up or careened, you will bO able to rake him there and then. He will see no use i[ firing back at you. Just a few more holes will bO sufficient to render him immovable, or long enough fo_ us to present more drastic measures." He wagged onO finger. "But I know these Frogs. They'll not fight if thO odds are so well laid.T

Across his bowed shoulders Maulby looked aU Bolitho and shrugged?

Bolitho said nothing, knowing Colquhoun waY waiting for him to protest. Sparrow was better suited tQ the task as defined by Colquhoun. Her armament waY heavier, and her thirty-two pounders were far morO accurate and deadly than Fawn's lesser battery ob nine-pounders. He knew that any such suggestionB however, would only bear out Colquhoun's earlier hinU that he was greedy for more success and fame, or thaU he was a better man than Maulby for the mission?

Maulby asked slowly, "Will you send men overlandB sir?T

Colquhoun still did not look at them. "God in heaven0 Where is all this stuff of combat I have been reading i[ the Gazette? I am beginning to wonder at itY

substance!T

Bolitho said, "It is a sensible suggestion, sir. I woulX prefer a boat action by night, but in daylight a force ob men, including your marines, would be able to . . ." HO got no further?

Colquhoun straightened like a steel spring. "EnougN of this! My plan leaves no room for nervous fumblin^ about the rocks like a lot of damn lizards! ThaU Frenchman is as good as taken, and I intend to sail he_ into port intact and with her cargo or whatever ready fo_ closer inspection!T

He walked from the table and stared at a half-filleX decanter on his desk. As he reached out for it BolithQ saw his hand was shaking with anger or agitation. HiY voice was equally unsteady as he continued, "And youB Bolitho, will close from the north. Stay out of sight untiT the time of attack and then make contact with me fo_ further orders." His fingers closed around the decante_ like claws. "That is all. My clerk will give you writte[ details of attack as you leave.T

They left the cabin and walked in silence to thO quarterdeck?

Maulby spoke first. "It should be your doing, Dick. ] agree with you about trying to cut the enemy out, buU either way, it is your right to lead if Colquhoun intendY to stand offshore.T

Bolitho touched his shoulder. "I wish you all successB but you know that. You are more than due fo_ promotion, and I hope this will bring it for you.T

Maulby grimaced. "I'll not deny that I'd relish thO chance. But I would wish it done with less bitterness.T He glanced aft. "That man will be the death of me witN his bloody moods.T

Bolitho bit his lip, trying to find the right words?

"Look, John, take good care. I know Colquhoun iY desperate for this victory, but I do not share his scor[ for Frenchmen. They fight well, they fight with courage? They are not given to empty gestures, even in thO cannon's mouth.T

Maulby nodded, his eyes grave. "Have no fear. If thaU Frenchman decides to match gun for gun with me I wilT haul off and await support.T

Bolitho forced a smile. Maulby was lying to ease hiY troubled mind. Lying as he would probably do unde_

similar conditions. Before and after a fight at sea therO was always room for recriminations and counter1 proposals, but once joined in battle there was usualla only one thought. To fight, to keep on firing until thO enemy broke or the tide turned against you?

"Boats alongside!" The first lieutenant greeted theR with a tired smile. "Is it done, sir?T

Maulby held up his written orders. "Aye. Done.T

The lieutenant sighed. "I have made a small sketcN which may be of some help for you, sir. The tide-race iY bad there, and the surf no better. But if the FrencN could enter, then you should have less hardship.T

The two gigs were hooked on to the chains, anX Bolitho said with sudden urgency, "I will be making saiT directly if I am to take station by dawn." He held out hiY hand. "I wish I was coming with you.T

Maulby returned the clasp. "I, too." He grinned. "BuU at least you will be spared the sight of Fawn as shO makes Colquhoun both rich and famous in one blow.T

Stockdale stood up in the gig as Bolitho descendeX the frigate's side, his eyes puzzled?

As the boat shoved off and the oars picked up thO stroke, he hissed, "Then we're not fightin', sir?T

Bolitho sighed. Secret orders, plans of battle, meanU nothing to the lower deck. Stockdale had not left thO gig, but he and probably every Jack in the flotilla kne/ what was happening?

"Not this time, Stockdale.T

He had already forgotten Colquhoun's snub, thO calculated attempt to drive a rift between him anX Maulby. He was thinking of Fawn's task, the chances ob success without prolonging the attack so thaU Colquhoun could blame Maulby for the delay?

"It ain't right, sir." Stockdale was muttering from thO tiller?

Bolitho glared at him. "Just attend to your work! ] have had a bellyful of strategy for one day!T

Stockdale studied the captain's squared shouldersB the way he was gripping his hanger so that the fingerY showed white through his tan. It ain't no use you blowind off at me, my lad, it still ain t right, an' wot's more, yof knows it0

With his secret rebuff held firmly in his minX Stockdale eased the tiller bar and headed straight fo_ the Sparrow?

As the bowman hooked on to the chains BolithQ turned abruptly and said, "But thank you for you_ concern.T

Stockdale stood and removed his hat while BolithQ reached for the sloop's side?

He grinned broadly at his back. "Thankee, sir!T

Tyrrell was no less ready to speak out. "But that's Z strange choice! Commander Maulby's a fine officerB but ...T

Bolitho swung round. "Prepare to get the ship unde_ way. Rig the royal yards as soon as we are unde_ command, for I want to make all speed with what winX there is!" He relented again. "Just do as I ask, Mr? Tyrrell, and let us have no more of it.T

Buckle ambled across the deck as Bolitho hurrieX below to rid himself of his heavy dress coat?

"What d'you make of it, Mr. Tyrrell?T

Tyrrell frowned. "That damn Colquhoun! I never too7 to th' man. Like bloody Ransome, his eyes are slits fo_ the Devil to peer through!T

Buckle shook his head. "Cap'n's worried, there's nQ doubt on that.T

"Not for himself." Tyrrell watched the men hauling aU the boat tackles as the gig bobbed above thO gangway. "That is equally certain.T

Bolitho's voice rose sharply through the skylight? "When you have finished, gentlemen, I would bO obliged if you would attend to my orders!T

Buckle looked at Tyrrell and grinned sheepishly?

"That's more like it! Our Dick's not the one to brooX too long!T

Within the hour Sparrow was ghosting slowly to thO northwest, her yards alive with canvas, as with all saiT set she left her consorts further and still further astern?

The wind rose very slightly, and by the time the firsU stars appeared above the raked masts they haX logged nearly fifty miles back along the same coursO they had used to join Colquhoun with such haste thO

previous night?

But there was nothing anyone could do about it, anX there were some who were inwardly pleased to bO spared Fawn's uncomfortable passage through thO shoals?