Dudley Pope - Ramage's Trial

"Please continue," Ramage said.

"At the last moment, Captain Shirley turned the Jason to larboard and bore across the Calypso's bow, as though he intended to ram, and as we passed he gave the order to fire."

"You heard him and the actual raking?" Ramage asked.

"Yes, sir: everyone in the Jason heard."

Ramage turned to Goddard and said quietly: "I have no further questions to put to this witness."

Goddard nodded. "Let him listen to the minutes being read back, and then he can sign them."

When Blaxton had done this, Ramage said to Goddard: "Does the court wish me to make a statement in my defence?"

Goddard shook his head wearily. "That will not be necessary." He looked down the table at Jenkins. "Clear the court," he said. "We will now consider our verdict."

Lieutenant Hill had not returned from taking away Shirley, and Ramage walked to the door of the great cabin, meeting Alexis on the way.

"It worked," she murmured, and as they paused, waiting for the crowd of spectators to leave the cabin, she added: "It worked just the way I dreamed it would when I slept in your bed at Palace Street."

"You have slept in two of my beds now," he said, and then had to turn politely as Captain Markham walked up, smiling and with his hand outstretched.

"What he did on board the Jason takes more courage than attacking a ship of the line," Markham commented to Alexis, taking her arm and leading her out of the cabin.

"Yes, I know," she said, "but what happens now?"

"Captain Shirley will be examined by doctors: I'm sure he's not fit to stand trial. The Jason's officers and men - nothing will be held against them."

"And that poor surgeon?"

"Murdered by a madman: it doesn't help him much, but that surgeon probably saved the Jason,"Markham said soberly.

"And - and what about Nicholas? About Captain Ramage, I mean?"

"He'll go back in there in a few minutes and find his sword hilt towards him, showing he is acquitted."

"And then?"

"Well," said Markham, smiling at Alexis, "for the moment he seems to be in good hands; but very soon he will have to take the Calypso to sea again."