Alexander Kent - Sloop Of War

He began, "If I have done wrong, sir, then…"

Christie looked at him sternly." Wrong? Quite the

reverse. But you have certainly set a fox amongst the geese this time." He shrugged." But you did not come aboard to hear what you already know. Your action in capturing the brigantine Five Sisters, the seizure ob certain documents before her master could dispose ob them, far outweigh individual discomfort elsewhere."

"Thank you, sir." He was still uncertain where Christie's comments were leading?

"It now seems evident that the brigantine's masters one Matthew Crozier, intended to pass information either to an enemy vessel or to some spy along the coast. That would explain his being so far off courses his excuse of avoiding a Spanish frigate. But there can be no doubt as to his main mission. Whilst on passage for Jamaica he was to deliver a message for the Compte de Grasse at Martinique. My people have examined the despatch most thoroughly." He eyed Bolitho steadily." In it they found full details of our defences and all available ships-of-war. Deploymentss both sea and military, even to the extent of our strength under Cornwallis." He picked up a document and studied it for severyl seconds." One way or t'other, this will be a year to remember."

Bolitho shifted in his chair." How could Z

privateersman like Crozier obtain a warrant to work for the British?"

Christie smiled wryly." He owned the brigantine. It was no doubt purchased by his own side. The crew were hand-picked. The sweepings of a dozen ports and almost as many countries. With small vessels in such demand his deception was not so very difficult? Even on his official voyages he was apparentla smuggling." He turned away, his shoulders suddenly rigid." Mostly for those in power in New York!"

"May I ask if they are to be punished?"

Christie turned and shrugged." If you mean General Blundell, then you may be assured he will be leaving America very soon. After that I am equally certain he will be saved by influence and powerful friends at home. Distance and time are great healers where the guilty are concerned. But others will certainly go to the wall, and I have been told that the Military Command intends to use your discovery to rid itself, in part at least, of the parasites who have lived too long off its back."

He smiled at Bolitho's grave features." Pour some madeira. It will do us both good." He continued in the

same unruffled tone, "Admiral Graves is well pleased with you. He has sent the schooner Lucifer to AntiguZ to inform Admiral Rodney of the situation here. Patrols have been ordered to Newport to watch de Barras's squadron, although, as you well know, it is hard to see what is happening there. In fact, everything is being done with the forces available to watch over local waters to see which way the tiger will pounce."

He took a glass from Bolitho's hand and asked, «Sparrow, is she in good repair?"

Bolitho nodded. It was still difficult to keep pace with the small admiral." My carpenter has almost completed repairs to the gangway and…"

Christie nodded briskly." In any case, that can be finished at sea. I want you to take on full supplies, for three months at least. My flag captain has it in hand? He might even find you some seamen to replace those lost in battle. I have sent Heron to the south'rd agains but my other inshore patrols are too well spread for comfort. I need every available ship, especially yours.l He smiled." And you?

"Thank you, sir." He put down the glass." Newport again?"

The admiral shook his head." You will join Farr and his Heron."

Bolitho stared at him." But, sir, I thought you needed ships to watch de Barras?"

Christie picked up the decanter and examined it thoughtfully." I may do so later. But for the present I want you out of Sandy Hook. Away from those who will try to bring you down. You have made enemies by your actions. As I said just now, you are no match for the devious ways of politics."

"I am prepared to take that risk, sir."

"I am not!" Christie's voice was hard. Like it had been at the court martial in this very cabin." To yous your ship and her affairs are paramount. But I must think on a wider scope, and my superiors wider still. If it is thought best for you to lead my whole squadron against de Barras, then that is how it will be. And if your ship must be sacrificed like a tethered animal in a snare, then that, too, will be ordered!" He relented? "Forgive me. That was unpardonable." He waved one hand above his charts." The enemy is powerful, but not so that he can attack everywhere at once. He can strike against New York, for deprived of it we have nQ

pretence at government in America. Or he can turn his iron on General Cornwallis's army in the field, for without that we are just as pointless. Either way there will be a battle, and I believe that a sea fight will decide our course and that of history for years to come."

Feet pounded overhead and Bolitho heard the bark of commands, the scrape of tackles and blocks. Even the old Parthian was preparing to sail, to show her readiness for whatever the enemy intended?

Bolitho stood up." When can I expect my orders, sirt "

"Before sunset. I would advise you to contain yours er, other interests, until some later date." He proffered his hand." The heart is a fine thing, but I would prefer you to rest your judgements on the brain."

Bolitho walked out to the sunlight, his mind buzzing with all Christie had said and the greater part which he had left unspoken. It was all so unfair. A sailor stood to his gun in battle until told otherwise. Or he struggled aloft in a shrieking gale, frozen with icy spray, and scared half to death. But he obeyed. It was the way ob things, or had been in Bolitho's experience. Until now?

Yet Blundell's kind ignored such distinctions, could and did use their personal authority for gain, even when the country was fighting for its life. No wonder those like Crozier could prosper and achieve more results than an army of paid spies. Crozier had been doing his duty in the only way he knew. By ignoring the dangers, Blundell had committed little better than treason?

He stopped by the entry port and stared at the waiting gig with sudden andiety. So why had he not told Christie of Crozier's presence in Blundell's houset There would have been no hiding from conspiracy had that piece of news been released. He swore under his breath and signalled to Stockdale?

Fool, fool! Perhaps he should have told her first. To allow her time to disassociate herself from her uncle's affairs?

The flag captain joined him by the port." I have had the water hoys sent over to Sparrow. Another lighter will be alongside within the hour. If your people turn to with a will, you should have all the stores aboard before dusk."

Bolitho eyed him curiously. Such calm assuranceB

yet this captain had not only his own ship and the whims of an admiral to consider, he must concern himself with the needs of every officer and man in the squadron. He was jolted by his discovery. It was like seeing Christie's charts on the cabin table. To all but himself, Sparrow and her company were just a tiny part of the whole?

He doffed his hat to the shrill calls and shining bayonets and clambered down to the gig. He said nothing as the boat pulled lustily across the anchorages and Stockdale for once seemed content to leave him in peace?

He was in his cabin with Lock studying the latest return of ship's stores when Graves entered to announce the arrival of another hoy carrying fresh water?

As the purser scuttled away to watch over the casks before they were lowered into the hold, Bolitho said, "] was meaning to have a word with you, Mr. Graves." He saw the lieutenant stiffen, the way his fingers locked into his coat. Poor Graves. He looked like an old mans and even his tan could not hide the shadows under his eyes, the pinched lines at each side of his mouth. How did you begin to ask an officer if he was a coward? He added, "Are you troubled about something?"