by Michael Aye
***
Caleb McKean was the nephew of Lady Anthony's first husband. He was Gabe's best friend and a physician.
He had saved Gabe's life as well as the lives of many during their battle with pirates just before the war with the colonials. He had been the one who removed the huge splinter from Mr. Davy's side. Lord Anthony had said,
"Caleb is an Excellentt physician, he's rich on manners, but damn poor on morals."
Lord Anthony had tried to lure him into the Navy but as a physician he would not take a step down for a surgeon's warrant. His being on board SeaWolf had caused his Lordship to raise his brow. Gabe had stated the surgeon who had been assigned to SeaWolf had somehow been delayed and the ship had had to sail without him.
And wasn't it convenient Caleb just happened to be present to fill the vacancy Lord Anthony had queried.
He knew Gabe's explanation of events wouldn't hold water, but if Caleb was of a mind to serve as a physician for Gabe without pay he wouldn't forbid it as long as he conformed to regulations and didn't interfere with Gabe doing his duty. Lord Anthony also remembered it was
Caleb who had saved his brother's life after a fierce and bloody battle.
When Gabe and Dagan entered the tavern Caleb and the ape were drinking ale. Things didn't appear to be as serious as the purser had stated but on a closer look Gabe noted Caleb's brace of pistols lying close at hand, loosely pointed at a man and woman sitting at the closest table.
Both were hovered close together. The woman had more "wares" showing than covered. They both looked like and smell ed like they hadn't had a bath in some time.
"How goes things, Caleb?"
Looking up, Caleb smiled. "Just finishing my ale.
Would you and Dagan care to join me for another round?" Mr. Jewell s, the ape, had turned his tankard upside down and was swiping the inside with a finger then licking his finger. He'd made a face not unlike a smile to show al his teeth. Then he rol ed his lips over, straightened his face and grunted. He tried to steal Caleb's tankard. Caleb popped the ape's hand, but not hard, and said, "No, you've already had two rounds." This caused more grunting that increased in intensity into a screech. Caleb said, "Hush…" The ape would of course pick up his tankard again only to begin the cycle anew.
"The purser thought you might be in a bit of difficulty," Gabe said by way of explaining his and Dagan's presence.
"No difficulty now that yonder lout and his wench and I have come to an understanding."
Looking once more at the two, Dagan whispered to Gabe, "Man's holding a bloody rag to his ear." To this Caleb said, "That good fellow tried to pimp his wench of on me. I refused. Then he gave a list of particular services she could perform, some of which a gentleman wouldn't repeat. Just for a bottle of rum. I once again declined the foul-breath fool and this time I laid my pistols on the table to emphasize we had no interest." By "we", Gabe was not sure if Caleb had another with him during the conversation or he meant Mr. Jewell s and himself.
Caleb continued, "Then the pest had the wench expose herself by hiking her skirt (she wasn't wearing any drawers), and of ering herself to Mr. Jewell s." Caleb then returned to his ale.
"Well, what happened then Caleb?" Gabe demanded.
"Why Mr. Jewell s picked up one of my pistols and shot the fool's ear off."
"Shot him!"
"Aye, Gabe." Then Caleb seemed very serious, even though his words were slurred from too much drink.
"Gabe, you outta know there's some things even an ape won't do."
Chapter Five
"Coffee, sir," Dawkins stood by the table where Gabe sat, "Sip careful, sir, its still ’ot." Dawkins had been told of the events at the tavern by Dagan as the two had smoked their pipes last evening. The mental picture kept coming to the old man's mind and he found himself chuckling at the thought of the ape shooting of the man's ear. Was it purely an accident? What would have happened if the shot was a bit further over?
As Gabe sipped the Coffee he felt his stomach growling.
For some unexplained reason he felt apprehensive about this convoy. It was up to him to herd the ordnance transport fill ed with gunpowder along with three other supply ships so overloaded they appeared to be bulging.
There were also a couple of troop ships. One was for the southern campaign at Charlestown and the other for New York. They would move at a snail's pace. Two thousand miles or so at the speed of the slowest sailor. Then up to New York and finally Halifax. They'd be lucky not to run out of rations before they got to Charlestown.
The commodore was right. The brig, Lancaster, looked as if she might sink at any moment. Years in the tropics would do that to a ship, especial y one that hadn't been coppered. Gabe believed her wizened old master when he said, "She needs scraping but otherwise she's sound." Gabe found Lieutenant Bruce to be as the commodore described. I'd not put him in charge of a bumboat much
less a brig, Gabe thought. He was doubly glad of her master.
Lieutenant Estes, captain of the Wild Goose seemed very capable. It was almost shameful, the relief on Bruce's face when he found out not only would Gabe be in command but Lieutenant Estes would be his second if anything should happen.
The Wild Goose looked fairly new. She was an American made schooner and would handle well, Gabe knew from previous experience. However, she was less than eighty feet long, had a crew of seventy to seventy-five and carried only ten six-pounders and a few swivels for armament.
Again, as the commodore had said, not much firepower to protect the convoy they were to escort. Dagan came in as Gabe was finishing his coffee.
"Mr. Hazard said the wind has freshened. Some of the convoy has already gotten underway without your signal." Damn, Gabe thought, recalling the words from the Turtle's captain. "We know when and how to sail, Navy boy, you just protect us." So much for meetings. Hazard met Gabe as he came on deck.
"Anchors hove short."
"Very well, up anchor, Mr. Hazard, loosen the head sails. Make general signal to get underway." No sooner had the signal been given when Lavery reported, "Wild Goose has already gotten the wind in her sails.
"Main the braces" Gabe eyed Wild Goose. He didn't want it to appear a race but he didn't like being beat. Not when it was suppose to be him calling the shots.
"Sir," Hazard cal ed, "I don't see any action on board the Lancaster."
"Mr. Davy!"
"Aye, sir."
"Signal Lancaster. Make haste!" Hands aloft, Mr. Hazard. Loosen the fore topsail."
SeaWolf had made her way through the winding array of ships in the anchorage.
"Winds appears to be picking up, sir," the master volunteered. "Should make for fine sailing."
"Mr. Davy!"
"Aye, sir."
"Make general signal to convoy to form line behind SeaWolf. Signal Wild Goose to take station to leeward and Lancaster to windward."
"Aye, sir."
Halfway through the first watch Gabe made it down to his cabin, so tired he collapsed into his chair. He now saw his brother and father in a new light. Holding command was not always "al claret and prize money" as someone had once put it. Keeping the convoy together took more coaxing and bullying than Gabe would have imagined. He was physical y and mental y drained. He'd had to have Wild Goose surge ahead and put one across Turtle's bow to make her comply with sailing orders.
Turtle's master had closed to hailing distance with SeaWolf before taking her position in the convoy. Captain Patrick in his brogue Irish had threatened Gabe for his high-handedness and promised Gabe he'd hear from high authority.
"He's just trying you," Dagan had said.
Thankful y, Lancaster had remained on station and responded when Gabe had signalled changes. "Her master's a good man," Blake reassured Gabe. "We were mates together on the old Ogdon. He knows what he's about. He'll keep station."
To which, in one of his rare demonstrations of temper, Dagan had responded, "Hell, a man with a good set of oars in a row boat could keep station with
us." Maybe that was it, Gabe thought. They were used to independence and flying with the wind. Not creeping along at five knots.
***
It seemed like an age since they'd set sail from English Harbour but after that first day everyone had settled down to routine. They'd shortened sail at night and carried al the canvas the ships could handle during the day. Al sorts of drill had been practiced and competitions had been set-up to keep the crew busy so they wouldn't get sullen. Only one man had been flogged.
However, if the master was right they should sight land the next afternoon; if not, then early the following
day. Some of the weariness he'd felt that first day still lingered, but overall he was much better. Dawkins was there as always with that much needed first cup of coffee. It had been hard to get to sleep the previous evening and harder still getting up. Gabe would never be an early riser.
The early gray light of dawn was starting to penetrate the stern windows. The lanthorn was still needed but not for long. Looking up at the lanthorn he noticed it swinging more than usual. Then Gabe realized there was more than the usual rol as SeaWolf made her way. When Dagan entered the cabin moments later he found Gabe almost completely dressed.
"You feel the wind?" he asked.
Gabe nodded his answer as he took a sip of Dawkins' fresh hot coffee. Once on deck Gabe found the master and first lieutenant together.
"Morning, sir." Lavery had the watch. "Looks like we're in for a blow. I hope we don't lose any of our cows." Lavery took particular delight into referring to the merchantmen thusly.
"We're in for a gale, sure enough," the master confirmed. "Not unusual when the warm Caribbean waters and the cold Atlantic waters come together at this time of year. We're in for rain and maybe some hail.
The wind is from the east heading west-nor-west. I'd keep the sails reduced, sir, or we may find ourselves on a lee shore before we know it."
The rains came quickly and in sheets, then with the wind picking up the temperature dropped and then the rain became sleet. Desiring to look at the compass, Gabe and the master half-walked and half-slid across the deck to the binnacle.
"Damned if I ain't half-blinded," the master complained. Gabe had Hazard change the men on deck every half-hour. With no fire it wasn't much better below deck but at least the crew was out of the wind and rain.
"No cause to be anxious yet, Cap'n, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings none if we was to change our course a point or two to the North."
"I was thinking the same thing," Gabe replied, "But we can barely see the next ship in line and I'm sure their captain would never see a change of course signal."
"Maybe we could fire a gun, sir," Lavery volunteered.
"Think they'd hear it in this wind?" Gabe said.
"No, we'll stay on course, but if by the first dog watch the weather hasn't moderated we'll have to do something."
"Aye, cap'n," the master answered as he wiped sleet from his face. "I think I'll take another look at my charts."
***
The sleet did stop and the wind died down to a moderate breeze. "Not a moment to soon for my
liking," Blake declared. "Another hour and I doubt we could've beaten our way off a lee shore."
Gabe looked at the master. His kind always seemed to be overly cautious but a prudent captain always listened to his master. Lieutenant Hazard had the glass to his eye. "I see Wild Goose and two of the convoy but the rest are no where to be seen, including the Turtle and the Lancaster.
"Should we send up a flare, sir?" This from Lieutenant Lavery. "Maybe they'll see that." A flare every ten minutes had been agreed upon for situations like this, but Gabe was hesitant.
"Mr. Davy."
"Aye, cap'n."
"Go aloft with a glass and see what you can, including land. We have a few minutes of daylight left so perhaps you'll spot something."
Without speaking, Gabe looked at Dagan who nodded, "I'll go skylarking with you Mr. Davy, but mind you, I'm too old to go racing through the ratlines like Caleb's ape." This brought a smile to the little group.
Gabe's father, Vice Admiral Anthony, had always said, "Dagan's got the best peepers I ever did see." Well, hopeful y he could pick up something now.
When the two got back on deck, Dagan let Mr. Davy make his report. "Two sails dead astern, sir, and I think the brig is abeam on the weather side. That's in addition to Wild Goose and the troop ships we can see from deck."
"So one of our eggs is missing, a turtle egg. I shouldn't wonder," Gabe said aloud, and then asked, "What about land?"
Mr. Davy looked to Dagan who answered, "Nothing for sure but by the way the clouds appear I'd say we're close. I also think Turtle is dead ahead by ten miles or so."
Gabe had the feeling that there was more but didn't push it. "Better send up flares, Mr. Hazard."
"Aye, cap'n."
Turning to speak to Dagan, Gabe's eyes seemed to blur and he suddenly felt dizzy and nauseated. "I think I need to go below," he said suddenly, and as he turned, collided with the bosun.
"My gawd sir," Graf said, "You're burning up."
Dagan helped Gabe to his cabin and sent Mr. Davy for Caleb. After speaking with Gabe, Caleb said,
"You've developed the humours, sir. A maladious humour more than likely due to the stress one has placed on his system without allowing time for the habitus to rejuvenate. I do hope this malady is not due to a contagion. Now Dawkins will give you a tea made of will ow bark to help with agues. I've added lemon and honey so that the tea will be more palatable. A generous dollop of brandy may also help you rest better. Now sir, I shall require you retire to your bed and not be disturbed until the morrow."
With a word to Dawkins to send for him should any further symptoms arise Caleb headed for the wardroom.
When Caleb had left, Dagan came over and sat by Gabe's cot.
"What else did you see," Gabe asked.
"Maybe nothing but maybe three sails, just on the horizon. Fine on the starboard bow."
"Which direction was they headed?"
"The light was too bad to tell," Dagan replied, "But tomorrow we'll know."
Dagan helped Dawkins get Gabe's boots off so he could rest properly. Then Dagan helped Gabe sit up while Dawkins administered Caleb's concoction.
"Damn," Gabe grimaced. "I thought the lemon and honey was to make the tea palatable."
"More palatable was Caleb's exact words, I believe," Dagan smiled. "You know Caleb, cure ye or kill ye, makes no difference. Either way, you quit complaining.
Chapter Six
"Cap'n…cap'n…" Dawkins was speaking, and slowly the fog cleared from Gabe's head.
"I'm awake," he said, "What time is it?"
"First light, cap'n. I let you rest a bit longer. How do you feel this morning?"
"Right now I feel fine," Gabe answered the old sailor as he rose from his cot.
"I got your coffee ready, sir. Do you want it ’afore or ’atter your tea?"
"My tea?"
"Yes sir," Dawkins replied. "The doctor said to give it to you right off. I've got it ready." Just thinking of the concoction made Gabe's body give an involuntary shudder. "Well, let's be done with the damn stuff, then maybe I can enjoy my coffee. Where's Dagan?"
"He went topside to have a stretch. He spent the night in yonder chair."
"He stayed here al night long?"
"Aye, cap'n."
"There was no need of that. He should have rested in his own hammock."
"Begging the Cap'n's pardon, but who was gonna tell him to leave. Not me or anyone else what's got a brain." A knock at the door and the sentry announced, "Mr. Davy, sir."
"Come in, Mr. Davy. How are we this fine Navy day?"
"I'm well, cap'n. How are you this morning? You put a scare in us last evening."
’I'm fine, sir, but is that why you're here, to inquire as to my health?" Gabe asked.
"Oh no, sir, the first lieutenant's respects, sir, but are you coming on deck or should he present hi
mself to your cabin, sir."
This caused Gabe to stop. "Is there an emergency, Mr. Davy?"
"Nay sir, but I believe they've sighted land and several sails. Dagan has gone aloft."
"Very well, Mr. Davy. Tell the first lieutenant I'll be topside directly."
"Aye, sir."
Once on deck, Gabe found both Lieutenant Hazard, Lieutenant Lavery and the master amidships. Mr. Hazard held a glass to his eye. The master was first to spot him.
"Morning, cap'n."
"Mr. Blake, Mr. Hazard, Mr. Lavery," Gabe addressed each, as was his morning ritual.
"The look-out has spotted land, sir. It appears we're a little of course," Hazard reported.
Hearing this Gabe turned to the master. "Mr. Blake, what's your calculations?"
"We've been pushed south by the gale, sir. I believe we are just off the coast of South Carolina but instead of Charlestown sir, I think we are about sixty miles south, possibly Port Royal or one of the barrier islands. There are several of them."
Dagan had made his way down from the masthead.
"There are three strange sails, two appear to be schooners and the other larger. About the size of a brig. Turtle's still about ten miles ahead and from the looks of things I'd say they've spotted her."
"Privateers you think?" Hazard asked.
"That'd be my guess," Gabe answered.
"But I thought they'd be bottled up by our blockade and lazing by the fire," Lavery commented.
"I'm sure they used the gale as a means of running the blockade," Gabe answered. "I'm not sure I'd risk broaching my ship in such a gale just to run down a bunch of privateers I probably couldn't catch and that'd likely end up on a lee shore anyway."
Then Gabe asked, "What about the rest of the convoy?"
"They're on station sir, including Wild Goose and Lancaster. I fired the flares as you ordered before you took ill," Hazard continued, "but Turtle never responded."
"I didn't expect her captain would," Gabe answered.
"The arrogant son of a bitch is probably going to cost us a lot before this day's over, gentlemen, especial y with those privateers lurking. Did you log his failure to respond, Mr. Hazard?"