by Perry Comer
“Get his sword!” Donland shouted, ducked a blow from a pirate wielding a musket like a club. His blade sliced through the man’s shirt spilling his guts. The man crumbled.
Watson regained his feet and in the next instant swung the pistol upwards and caught a pirate under his chin. He skewered the man's shoulder with the cutlass. Donland slashed his sword into the man's neck.
Donland straightened, there were no others. Men screamed in the darkness, others whimpered. “See to the wounded Lieutenant,” Donland said and added, “They'll not try that again.”
Watson wiped blood from his face. “I'd not want to do it again,” he said and walked away.
“Hornet!” A voice called from the beach.
Donland smiled, Ashcroft had seen the signal. He walked wearily down to the beach. At the water's edge, he knelt and splashed the salty water into his face. He stood and watched Hornet; she was making for the brig and was being trailed by Stinger. He walked back up the beach, his mouth was parched, and his body ached,
“Is there water?” Donland asked Monroe.
“Aye, a barrel there between the guns,” Monroe answered.
Donland saw the barrel and made his way to it. He scooped water with his hand and drank, then sat down on a keg and closed his eyes. Weariness all but overcame him.
“Captain! Captain! Horses! They've got horses,” David said while running towards Donland.
Donland had no choice but to rise and hurry to the beach. With the aid of the moon, he was able to just make out a moving dark mass. As he watched, the mass began to separate and make a line from the water's edge to the top of the beach. It took several seconds for his mind to discern what his eyes were telling him, cavalry! The garrison in San Juan had either heard the firing at the brig or seen Porter's rocket. They sent a troop of cavalry; everyone on the beach would be cut down.
From down the beach, a bugle blew; the troop of cavalry responded and came on at a trot. Buschard gave the order to fire and the three swivels blew flame and smoke. Donland was horrified for they had fired too soon; the troop was well out of range. Donland watched as the troop came to full gallop.
Like thunder trapped between two mountains came the slow roll of Hornet's guns! Ashcroft had come into the anchorage ready to attack the brig but seeing the cavalry, chose to fire on them. The gunners would have depressed their muzzles as low as possible and fired into the mass of men and horses. The balls tore through flesh spewing blood and guts in all directions. Those who were not hit were fired on Buschard's men carrying muskets. The charge was broken and those still mounted wheeled their horses. Four guns aboard Stinger plowed balls into the sand as the cavalry retreated.
“Mister Welles take two men and go to them. Aid the wounded and fetch any weapons the cavalry carried,” Donland ordered the young man.
“Aye, Captain,” David said and set off at a run. Donland envied him his youth.
Stinger and Hornet hove-to and began launching all their boats. As Donland watched, he saw a boats from each ship make for separate anchored vessels. The launch appeared from Hornet's bow and was pulling for the brig, Stinger's launch soon followed. Donland could only watch.
The boat was returning from the cay. He went over to where it would land and waited. From the brig came the sound of a few pistol shots. “A fresh crew on the oars,” Donland said to those on the beach. “We're for Hornet,” he said as he waded out to the boat. The rescued men jumped from the boat into the surf. Donland hefted himself into the boat and was quickly joined by six men to man the oars. “Give way all,” he commanded.
There was no more firing as the boat slid across the anchorage to Hornet. Donland hurried from the boat and up the side of the hull. Ashcroft met him. “Well, done, Mister Ashcroft,” he said as he gained the deck.
“Thank you, Captain,” Ashcroft said and added. “Captain Powell suggested we secure the ships at anchor before attempting to recover you,”
“Aye, the sensible choice but we have little time left to us. That troop of cavalry was sent from San Juan. It will have been reported that we have ships aiding us and they will send at least a frigate if not two within hours. I will go across to Stinger, recall our boats and send them to the cay to bring the men off and to fetch the officers from the beach. There are enough of each to man the prizes. Lieutenant Monroe, of course, will be anxious to board Atross.”
“Aye Captain,” Ashcroft replied.
Donland straddled the railing and climbed down to the waiting boat. “To Stinger!” he commanded before he was seated.
Powell stood at the railing and called to Donland, “We've taken the brig.”
“Very good Captain Powell, our time is short, we have not a second to lose. I’ve sent for officers and crews to man the prizes; I will recall your boats and send them to the beach to collect those people. The Dons will be putting to sea in hopes of containing us. Be in readiness to sail even if the boats are not recovered!”
“Aye, Mister Andrews is aboard the brig,” Powell said.
“To the brig yonder!” Donland ordered the boat crew. They understood the need for haste and pulled at the oars with all they had.
“Mister Andrews!” Donland called once the boat came alongside the brig.
“Aye, Captain,” Andrews answered.
“Have you men enough to get underway?” Donland asked.
“Aye Captain, but there is considerable damage,” Andrews answered.
“Any water below?”
“No! All damage is above deck.”
“Very well, send down a crew for the launch and fresh men for this boat. These men are spent. A midshipman to command the launch.”
Andrews called names and men hurried to the railing and descended to the boat and to the launch.
Once the men were settled into the boat and the launch, Donland asked, “Who is senior here?”
“Midshipman Goins, Sir!” A boy answered.
“Mister Goins, you are to go to the cay and bring off as men as you can get aboard and take them out to the anchored vessels. Give my compliments to Lieutenant Monroe, you will find him on the beach. He is to take command of Atross and get underway around the headland. Give my compliments to Lieutenant Hanson, he is to stay with the guns,” Donland ordered.
“Aye, Captain!” Goins answered.
“To Folly!” Donland ordered the crew.
Jackson called to Donland as the boat came alongside, “I've wine and cheese!”
Donland called back, “I've not time to dine, nor have you. I'll send your crew back to you when I return to the beach, get underway immediately and round the headland.”
“Aye, Captain,” Jackson answered.
“Back to Hornet lads and a tot!” Donland said to the boat crew.
Donland climbed aboard Hornet with his mind was whirling with possibilities. “Mister Ashcroft we will go about and lie-to. We must be ready to set sail the moment the Dons are sighted. Who have you above?”
“Asa Little, he's the night glass,” Ashcroft replied.
“Good choice, now let us make ready,” Donland said and turned to Dewitt.
“Can you take us out and around the headland in this light?”
“Aye, Captain, but we've not room to cut it too fine,” Dewitt answered.
He turned to Ashcroft, “I've ordered the anchored vessels to get underway as soon as they have crews aboard. We have to give them what protection we're able. You will command Hornet while I'm away, if I'm unable to return you are to sail to Fajardo and I will rejoin the ship there. There is still much to be done, I shall return to the beach and organize a defense should the Dons appear. Do you understand my orders?”
“Aye Captain,” Ashcroft answered.
Donland started for the hatchway, “I'll have fresh men into the boat if you please Mister Ashcroft. I will go below and fetch my hat and a sword.”
The launches were overflowing with men as they passed Donland's boat. They cheered him in passing. He waved his hat in the moonlight.
Lieutenant Hanson was waiting when the boat was pulled onto the sand.
“Have you crews for the guns?” Donland asked.
“Aye Captain, four experienced gunners and a mix of seamen and army. Lieutenant Watson insisted on staying as some of the men serve under him,” Hanson answered.
Honest had also remained but had sent Simon to Hornet. He saw Donland approach and said, “A proper hat, Captain!”
Donland clapped him on the shoulder and asked, “Mister Welles?”
“I collected him and Mister Buschard and sent them to Hornet,” Honest said.
“Well done, how many more on the cay?” Donland asked.
“About forty, give or take a body or two, and we've thirty remaining here with the guns,” Honest answered.
Donland sighed heavily, “Half hour more, just for those on the cay and an hour before we can be taken off.”
“Aye,” Honest agreed.
“Then we shall take what comes!” Donland said. Then asked Watson, “Are the guns loaded?”
Watson replied cheerily, “They are Captain, just waiting on a target.”
Hanson asked, “What if we can't be taken off Captain?”
“Then we shall overland to Fajardo. I've left instructions that we are to be picked up there. I made the trek here and am confident that if necessary I can retrace the route. But well before that, it will be our task to provide protection for our people should the Dons send ships.” Donland answered.
“Do you think they will?” Hanson asked.
“My guess is that they are raising their anchors as we speak. They know these waters and with the moon, as it is, they'll have no difficulty navigating. I should think it possible that they will arrive here within the hour, providing of course that their crews are not at liberty in the city.”
“Let us pray they are drunk in bed with the doxies,” Honest replied with a hint of humor in his voice.
“That is where you would like to be,” Donland said.
“Aye,” Honest agreed.
“I would that I was as well,” Watson said and laughed.
Hanson broke the moment and asked, “Captain what of the pirates, they've not tried us again?”
Donland had also been wondering why the pirates had not attempted to retake the guns. They had more than enough time to gather men and weapons. The cavalry troop had lost about half their men and mounts and it was doubtful that they would attempt another charge. The only explanation he considered to be valid was that they were without forceful leadership.
Donland answered Hanson, “They are waiting for the Dons because we've killed their leaders. Without Dolphin and without those Scoggins placed in charge, they'll fight among themselves and not tempt us.”
“Like as not they have a good few kegs of rum,” Watson said.
“Aye, and I've not a drop,” Honest said.
Donland's attention focused on the ship's getting underway. The brig was setting sail, as was Atross. Monroe would be pleased to be away from this place and the humiliation he had suffered by losing his ship. Folly was already moving in the light nighttime breeze. His mind quickly seized on why the Dons were slow responding with their ships, they had not wind, and it would be contrary for their purposes. If they set sail at all it would be to the east and then it would take several tacks to work their way to Luquillo. No, the Dons next response would be to send more cavalry and they would be followed by troops.
“Lieutenant Watson, have the men swing two of the guns to face the village,” Donland ordered.
“Sir?” Watson asked.
“I believe the Dons will send more cavalry and troops, we best be prepared to answer their fire,” Donland explained.
“That is a very real possibility, I should have considered it earlier,” Watson said.
“Aye,” Hanson agreed and called to the nearest gun captain, “Take up the pikes, wedge her round to target the village!”
“Aye, Sir,” the gun captain answered.
“Lieutenant Watson, have you a glass?” Donland asked.
“Yes Sir, I'll get it,” Watson answered. He returned in seconds and handed the telescope to Donland. “It's of poor quality,” Watson said.
Donland lifted the heavy glass to his eye and adjusted the focus. “It's very heavy,” he said and lowered it. After examining he said, “It's made of wood, I've not seen one of these since I was a boy.” He smiled.
Lifting it again to his eye he began scanning the village. Candles and fires burned either in the huts or outside. He moved the glass slowly until he found what he sought. He lowered the glass, allowed his eye to again focus. “Lieutenant Watson, our target is there,” he said and pointed. “Move closer and look along my arm.”
Watson did so and sighted along Donland's arm.
“See it, that cluster of lanterns,” Donland said.
“Yes Sir, but what am I seeing?” Watson asked.
“What I can barely make out in this dim light and through the shadows is a horse-drawn battery being set up. Were the moon brighter, I could be more certain but I believe there to be at least three guns,” Donland said.
Watson squinted and said, “Without more light, it will take several firings to find the range.”
Donland lifted the glass, he studied the lanterns and said, “ You will have to try and see the fall of shot, were this glass better, it would lessen your difficulties. As it is, you shall have to do the best you can with what you have. Your purpose in firing is to keep them from firing on our ships. If you can hit them, well and good, but if not at least they will be hampered in their preparations. The gun crew can fire when you are satisfied. I must go down to the beach.”
“I'll do my best,” Watson said as Donland walked away.
“That's all that is required Lieutenant, your best,” Donland answered.
Chapter Thirteen
Stinger's launch was nearing the cay and those waiting to be taken off were creating considerable noise as they jostled among themselves. Donland knew that shouting to the launch would be useless. “We will intercept the launch,” Donland said to the boat crew lingering on the beach.
“Aye, Captain,” the boat captain answered.
Donland stepped over the gunnel into the boat and before he was seated, the men heaved the boat into the surf and turned it toward the crashing waves before climbing in.
With several powerful strokes, they were through the surf. It took a minute more to reach the launch, which had beached and was loading prisoners.
Donland scanned the launch and called to Midshipman Goins, “Mister Goins a word if you please!”
Goins shouted above the noise, “Aye, Captain!”
Donland shouted, “My compliments to Captain Powell he is to set sail immediately and lie-to off Fajardo!”
“Aye, Captain! Sail immediately and lie-to off Fajardo!” the boy, shouted.
The big gun on the island boomed and its flame flashed like lightning.
“Shove off Mister Goins!” Donland shouted.
“Aye Captain!” Goins shouted and began issuing orders to the crew and the freed men.
“Make for the other launch!” Donland ordered the boat captain.
“Hornet! Back oars!” Donland shouted as the boat neared the launch.
“Aye, Captain!” Aldridge answered.
“Mister Aldridge, my compliments to Mister Ashcroft, Hornet is to sail immediately for Fajardo upon your return. Lie-to and followed Captain Powell's orders!”
“Aye, Captain, what of your party?” Aldridge asked.
“I'll contact Hornet once we reach Fajardo, Hornet must sail before the Dons arrive!”
“Aye Captain!” Aldridge answered.
“Back to the beach!” Donland ordered the crew.
The gun boomed for the second time. Donland turned in hopes of seeing the sound land. He saw nothing.
Hornet's launch reached the cay just as Donland stepped back onto the beach. “Follow me, we'll not need the boat any longer!” Donland comma
nded. He struck out across the sand back to the guns.
“Lieutenant Watson, what progress?” Donland asked.
“Lieutenant Hanson believes he has found the range. There are no lights showing now,” Watson answered.
“Perhaps he has and perhaps he hasn't, we'll soon know. But, it matters not for the Dons will send ships. Those will be our greatest concern. Until then, fire a shot every five minutes just to keep those over there working slower at their tasks,” Donland said.
“What if they send more cavalry and troops?” Watson asked.
“Should they appear, we shall have to abandon these guns, we'll not take time to spike them,” Donland said without hesitation. “I've given orders for our ships to sail and hopefully be away before the Dons can catch sight of them. What we have accomplished thus far is all we set out to do; I'll not risk all for no good cause. At the first show of force, we will take to the jungle and the trail to Fajardo. If I should fall, those are my orders.”
“Understood Captain,” Watson replied.
Donland scooped water from the cask with the gourd dipper and drank. He sat on a fallen log and removed his hat. He poured water over his head and then drank the remainder. The gun boomed again and briefly lit the battery.
Honest took the dipper from Donland's hand without a word and refilled it. He drank and sat down beside Donland. He asked, “How long will we remain?”
Donland rubbed his face then dried it with his sleeve. He replied, “As soon as Hornet is away.”
“Until then we do nothing?” Honest asked.
“Aye, we will sit and twiddle our thumbs. But, I have a task for you. Take another long drink and go find the path the pirates used that leads back to the road. Make sure it is the road to Fajardo, once you are certain, return here.”
“Alone?” Honest asked.
“Take the four men that oared the boat, make sure each man has at least one pistol, powder, shot and a sword. You might find a few pirates lingering to watch us.” Donland said.