Peregrine

by Aye, Michael

  “Aye,” Hex acknowledged.

  Turning to Dagan, Gabe spoke again, “Take the girl ashore and put her with the rest of the women.”

  Once on deck, Gabe could see Pegasus anchoring with the brig that tried to escape under her guns, and a British flag flying. Looking ashore, Gabe thought, Well thank the Lord but that was easier than it had any right to be; now comes the hard part.

  Trying to take stock of the situation, Gabe decided to hold an officer’s call. Making his way into the crowded gig, Gabe couldn’t help but notice the bulging pockets of the crew.

  Turning his head quickly so as to not be caught staring, he said, “Set me ashore, Hex. Then tell Mr. Gunnells he is in charge of the ship and he’s to send the midshipmen and another twenty…make that forty hands ashore. After that give my compliments to Lieutenant Lavery on board Drake and would he be kind enough to join me ashore.”

  * * *

  Once ashore, Gabe was quick to realize his men were vastly outnumbered. It was only the surprise and timing that carried the day…thus far. Lieutenant York had assembled the prisoners in a group and circled them with guards. A swivel gun was being set up on two sides of the circle. This addition would lessen any thoughts of overpowering the guards and taking control.

  Most of the men were still dazed from the previous night’s activities but they would soon have their wits about them. When that happened, things could get out of hand even with Marine Lieutenant York’s extra precaution with the swivel guns.

  Lieutenant Davy was approaching by himself. “Seeing the number of prisoners here, sir, I didn’t think adding another twenty or so would be good so I had them tied together and left them under guard.”

  “Good thinking,” Gabe said.

  Lieutenant Parks made his way over to Gabe. “The damn cutthroats have more plunder than all the king’s coffers. Damme, sir, but I believe we are all going to be rich men after today.”

  Thinking of the stuffed pockets of his gig’s crew, Gabe said, “We cannot prevent the men from helping themselves to much of what’s laying about but let’s not let it get out of hand. Lieutenant York, if you will put Sergeant Sharp in charge of the prisoners, I’d like you to set up a central area to stage our…bounty.”

  “But sir,” Parks put in, “there’s gold and silver aplenty, but that’s just part of it. That damn pirate could set up a city on this island. There’s heaps of every imaginable cargo under those tents and huts. Drink of every description including fancy wines. There’s barrels of gunpowder and weapons a plenty of every make and size. There’s fancy expensive cloth, uniforms, shoes, sails, spars, navigation instruments, surgical supplies, medicines, hogsheads of sugar, coffee, flour, tobacco, and bales of cotton.” The excited lieutenant paused to take a breath. “Captain, I’m not sure we have enough ships to take it all back in.”

  Hearing a few grumbles from where the prisoners were located, Gabe said, “Well, first things first.”

  By that time, Jepson had come ashore followed by Lavery and Hawks. Hex and Dagan soon made their appearance.

  “Captain Jepson, we need to do something about those prisoners. I don’t want to leave anything of value behind so it will take all our manpower to load the ships. Take a couple of men with you and talk to the prisoners. Offer them parole, a boat to cross over to the mainland along with food and water.”

  “What about the women?” Davy asked.

  “Send them with the men if they will go. By the way, should any man desire to join the King’s navy…and you get a good feel about him, we’ll sign them on today. I’m sure a few have been made to sail with the rogues against their wishes.”

  “Sir, those other men will never keep their parole.”

  “Aye, Mr. Hawks, you are right, but neither will I have to worry about waking with cold steel at my gullet.”

  “Aye, Captain, I see your point.”

  “Mr. Lavery, if you’d go aboard each of the ships and see if they are ready to put to sea I’d be grateful. Offer the same choices to anyone aboard and see if we can locate any of the merchant’s captains.”

  “If we do, they’ll claim half of our plunder,” Parks volunteered.

  “Aye, they’ll claim it, Lieutenant, but without a proper ship’s manifest they’ll not get it. Now Hex, be a good fellow and inspect those fine wines for any damaged cases and pay particular attention to any of the bourbons you have mentioned.”

  “Aye, Captain, my inspection will be complete.”

  “As it should be,” Gabe replied, “as it should be.”

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  The entrance into Carlisle Bay was likened to an approaching fleet by the island’s onlookers. Lord Ragland had himself rowed out to the flagship to be present when the senior captain reported in. Including Peregrine and Pegasus, seven ships filed into the harbour and dropped anchor. The signal for captain to repair on board was bent on and Gabe was quickly on his way to the flagship.

  “Damme, sir, but what an operation,” Lord Ragland exclaimed after Gabe completed his narrative. “You’ll be knighted for this,” he swore. “I can see the Gazette now.”

  Gabe hadn’t thought of being made a knight, but looking over the pages of inventory, he knew he was set for life. Lieutenant Parks’ words came to mind…we’ll all be rich men after today. He just didn’t realize how true those words were. To make things better, not a ship’s captain could be found so no claim would be made.

  “And you got the pirate as well.” Lord Ragland was speaking again. “I’ll try the turncoat myself. We’ll hang him before the week’s end.”

  “Humm!”

  “You have objections?” he asked Lord Anthony.

  “In theory no; I’d as soon string the man up from the yardarm and trial be damned. However, we have to think of our sailors. This man carries a Letter of Marque. We must prove, probably through diplomatic channels, that he stepped outside the letter with his actions and should be tried as a pirate. Who knows? Once we include all the evidence we recovered, even his own backer may want to hang him.”

  “Yes, you are right of course. Has Sir Victor left?”

  “Yes, he sailed with the mail packet on the morning tide,” Anthony answered. “Lord Skalla is here now. He is Sir Victor’s replacement from the Foreign Office. I’m sure he will be most interested in the case.”

  “Yes, well, I’ll leave it in your hands for now,” Lord Ragland replied, arms crossed and hand on his chin. “We’ll have a reception tonight, Captain Anthony, for you and all your men.”

  “Thank you, Lord Ragland, but it will take some time to secure, ah…the cargoes.”

  “Yes, of course. We’ll have them brought closer ashore and discuss tomorrow whether to sail the ships to England, cargoes intact, or unload them here.” Winking at Anthony, Lord Ragland added, “I’m not so old that after being away for weeks, if given the choice of a night at home with a beautiful wife or dining with the governor, which one I’d choose. We’ll send out invitations to celebrate your victory later in the week.”

  * * *

  The final decision had been to unload the military stores, ship supplies, wines and strong drink, as well as some of the clothing. The coins, plates, and cotton, along with other non-perishable goods were left aboard the ships to be sailed back to England along with the ships.

  Anthony had discussed all the captured ships with Lord Ragland and it was decided the admiralty needed to make the decision about buying back a Royal Navy frigate. The brigs were needed to transport the “cargoes” back to England but the Tidewater Witch could be purchased right off. Jem Jackson would be promoted into her, and as a tribute to his captain, Nathan Lavery was given command of HMS Viper.

  Lord Ragland’s reception was therefore to celebrate two occasions: Gabe’s successful operation and Lavery’s promotion to command. Lord Skalla sailed away with Captain Ambrose Taylor under a flag of truce on HMS Lizard to discuss the possible trial of Witzenfeld.

  The dilemma Gabe now faced was the first
lieutenant opening. Davy, while a good officer, was not ready for the first lieutenant job. Discussing the vacancy with Lord Anthony, the new flag lieutenant cleared his throat and asked if he might make a suggestion.

  “Certainly,” Anthony replied. Thus far, Mahan had been everything he’d expected and then some.

  “Sir, I’d like to recommend Lieutenant Wesley for the job. He’s on board SeaHorse as a supernumerary. I’ve known him for years and he will do a great job I’ve no doubt.”

  “That’s interesting, Lieutenant,” Gabe responded. “On the way to the flagship, my cox’n let on I could do a lot worse than Wesley.”

  “I second his recommendation,” Mahan responded with a smile, and then added, “Captain Anthony, don’t let Hex’s simple ways and speech fool you. Times were when I was sure he had as much say so on Rapid as I did. I’m sure you know his history. Had things been different some years ago it wouldn’t be hard to imagine him walking some quarterdeck.” Seeing Lord Anthony was puzzled by the conversation, Mahan discussed Hex’s past and how he came to be a jack tar.

  When Mahan had finished, Gabe added, “Think of an educated Bart.”

  “God help us!” Anthony exclaimed. He then looked at Gabe, “Would you like for the flag lieutenant to send for Wesley? Give you a chance to talk to him in a less than official setting.”

  “Aye, sir, I think I’d like that.”

  Without another word, Mahan headed out of the cabin. Once he had left, Anthony spoke to Gabe, brother to brother. “Was everything all right with Faith? Lady Deborah had seemed a little concerned as to her well being after their last visit.” What he didn’t say was Deborah wondered if Faith was pregnant. He knew if Gabe had been told of such he’d have told him by now. They discussed the reception for a while, and then talked of how grown Macayla was starting to act.

  “Not like the colonel’s daughter, I hope,” Gabe replied unable to resist the urge to tease his brother over the spoiled little girl who had sailed with them from Norfolk.

  “Heavens no, Deborah would never allow such behaviour and neither would I. Times were, I wished I’d had a belaying pin handy and considered having Bart fetch one. He was ready to toss the little she devil over the side himself.”

  They then discussed the likelihood of the Americans allowing Witzenfeld to be tried as a pirate.

  Lord Anthony then said something that surprised Gabe. “Had I found him as you did, Gabe, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have excused everyone then slit the bugger’s throat, and then swore the slave must have done it. Of course, since she’d somehow escaped through a stern window there was no way of knowing for sure.”

  “I had similar thoughts,” Gabe admitted. “And had Dagan been left alone, I’ve little doubt Witzenfeld would not have died trying to escape.”

  “Ah, but hindsight is perfect, is it not?”

  “Aye, I can’t argue with you there, Gil.” Gabe then spoke of young Hawks.

  “We have an examination scheduled,” Anthony advised, but before any further discussion went on, the sentry announced, “Lieutenant Wesley, sir.”

  Rising, Anthony said, “I’ll let you two talk. Silas.”

  “Aye, my Lord.”

  “Captain Anthony’s glass needs to be refilled and see what Lieutenant Wesley might like.”

  “Aye, sir.”

  Hearing the exchange Wesley thought, Damme, I’ve never been treated in such a manner. Of course, he’d never seen or heard of a vice admiral excusing himself so that a captain and a lieutenant might converse either.

  * * *

  The crash of a ship’s salute sounded across the harbor, its smoke drifting through the open stern windows to fill Gabe’s nostrils. He didn’t rise as normal to look out

  Faith. She had been sick for the second or was it the third day in a row. She’d be fine when he got home but by the time he left at first light, she was sick again.

  “It’s that terrible smell on you,” she’d complained.

  Gabe had sniffed the sleeve of his work coat. Several odors seemed to mingle together: tar, oakum, and paint. He could identify them all but none were overpowering and certainly nothing more than usual.

  The cabin door opened and closed without an announcement by the sentry. It had to be Dawkins or Hex as Nesbit was in the pantry banging around.

  Hex’s voice rang out. “Dispatch vessel, Captain.”

  “Firefly, Captain Hampton. I wonder what news she brings,” Gabe said absently.

  “My bet is you’ll know by noon,” Hex replied, then continued on, “I made sure Hawks was away on time for his examination and warned him to not try to do any last minute cramming. It’d only confuse him.”

  “Good,” was Gabe’s only answer.

  Looking out the stern windows, Hex said, “You all right, Captain?”

  Gabe explained Faith’s sickness.

  “I ain’t no doctor,” Hex said, somewhat unsure as to his word…but finally got out. “She sounds pregnant to me, Captain.”

  The change that came over Gabe was remarkable. “Damn, Jake, but I bet you are right. I think I’ll go talk to her now.”

  “I’d wait a while were I you, Captain.”

  “Wait, why?”

  “Unless I’m mistaken, I believe your new first lieutenant just shoved off from the flagship.”

  “Oh…humph. Well, I guess it would be rude to not greet the man. Maybe Faith will be more able to talk tonight.”

  “I’m sure she will,” Hex replied.

  Gabe then noted Hex staring out of the windows again. “What are you looking at?” Gabe quizzed.

  “I believe that’s a captain, I mean a real captain, in Firefly’s boat. Not just Firefly’s commander.”

  Gabe made his way to the window but the boat was passed by that time, and only the back of the captain could be seen. Still, it looked somewhat familiar to him.

  From on deck the challenge “Boat ahoy” and the reply “Aye, aye” could be heard through the open skylight.

  “That’s your lieutenant,” Hex stated as he handed Gabe the hat he rarely wore aboard ship. Seeing Gabe’s look as he pushed the hat down, Hex said, “Be nice to set a fine example for the bloke’s first day.”

  Gabe swallowed hard, not believing what he heard, then, seeing the grin on Hex’s face, was reminded of his brother and Bart. “Damme, Jake,” he hissed. “You’re talking about a king’s officer.”

  “Aye,” Hex replied, the grin still on his face.

  PART III

  Newgate Jig

  The pirate eyed the crowd outside

  They came to see him hang

  He’d once struck fear in many a man

  By the mention of his name

  Many a captain lost his ship

  Their life blood to his blade

  Many a young girl he had kissed

  Till that dreadful day

  Better he’d been struck down

  Now resigned to his fate

  It was like a circus outside

  In the yard at Newgate

  …Michael Aye

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  The following evening Lord Anthony and Lady Deborah were guests at Gabe and Faith’s home. Uncharacteristically, Anthony had sent Bart over to inquire if Captain Buck may also be invited. Generally, when the admiral dined at his brother’s house, it was strictly a family affair and Navy protocol was forgotten. Hex had not been surprised at this but was surprised at how included Bart and Dagan had been. Dagan was actually family, so after thinking on it, Dagan’s presence made sense.

  However, nothing could have prepared Hex one evening when little Macayla had entered the house, saw Bart sitting in a chair, and rushed over calling, “Uncle Bart, Uncle Bart, I got a puppy.” So the old salt had a soft side, Hex realized.

  Over a wet one evening, Bart had told him of his history with his Lordship. “Day will come yew and Gabe will likely have the same sort of relationship. Thing to remember is for all his rank and ’sponsibility, he’s still a man. Bein
g a man, times will come when he’ll have his doubts and fears; same as me and yew. Only difference be he’s the captain and can’t let on none. That’s when yews have to be a friend. Course it goes without saying yew has to keep yer trap shut as to what yew sees and hears. Won’t be long and yew’ll be family, jus like me.”

  Tonight, with the family and Captain Buck all together, Hex thought of Bart’s words and felt humble to have been one of a very few to be at this gathering. After a bit of chitchatting, Gabe announced dinner was being served and it was time to be seated. Hex found himself at the end of the main table. Dagan had the very end, Bart was to the right, and he was to the left. Gabe sat at the head of the table and the guests had just grabbed a chair. After the main course had been finished and fresh glasses set out champagne was poured.

  Gabe rose and quickly had everyone’s attention. “I’ve invited you each here to enjoy the happiness that Faith and I share. Gil, Deborah, Rupert, it is my extreme joy to announce my lovely bride is with child.”

  A muffled sob was heard and the guests caught a glimpse of Nanny, a napkin to her eyes, as she fled. “Praise the Lawd, praise the Lawd,” she cried until she was out of hearing.

  “My congratulations!” Anthony exclaimed.

  “Mine as well,” Buck said.

  Deborah had rushed around the table and was hugging Faith. Gabe caught Hex’s eye and with a nod raised his glass in salute.

  Later in the evening, after dessert, the men gathered in the den for brandy and cigars. Anthony cleared his throat. “Gabe, you saw the dispatch ship drop anchor I’m sure.”

  Gabe managed an “Aye, sir,” while at the same time he tried to relight his cigar from a nub of a candle, all the time struggling to keep the melted wax from dripping on the table or floor. When he sat the candleholder down, the other men gave a collective sigh of relief. Realizing he’d gained an audience, Gabe stood erect and smiled.

  “Damme boy, you had us worried there for a while,” Anthony laughed with the others joining in.