A Prayer for the Ship
Page 26
“Hmm, quite so,” mused Wright, and walked out on to the steps again.
A naval bus drew up by the gates, with a squeal of brakes, and Wright smiled, as about twenty Wrens climbed down, and made their way to the dockside canteen.
The pensioner driver called lustily after them: “Nah don’t you be long, my cherubs. ’Alf an hour fer breakfast, an’ we’re off.”
He noted with surprise that one of the girls had detached herself from the group, and was walking uncertainly in his direction. As she drew close, his smile of admiration was replaced by one of recognition. She saluted, and he noted warmly how her jaunty cap had difficulty in controlling her delightful curls.
“And a very good morning to you, my dear,” he boomed jovially. “A Happy New Year, too.”
“Good morning, sir.” Her smile transformed her face. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve got something to send over to Lieutenant Royce’s boat.”
He saw she was holding a brown paper parcel.
“We’re just passing through, you see,” she explained. “Going to the new Signals School.”
Wright grinned roguishly. “He told me you were coming down. The lucky young devil! But I’m afraid he’s out on Ops at the moment. Should be back any time. Then you can give him the parcel yourself.”
Her face clouded, and her eyes glanced fearfully to the vacant buoys by the Royston. “Nothing too dangerous, is it, sir?” There was an edge to her voice.
“’Course not, my dear. Now you come into the S.D.O. and have a cup of tea, and I’ll send someone to fetch you something to eat. Then we can wait for him together.”
She smiled gratefully, but he saw the haunted look in her eyes. As he leafed through the signals, he watched her standing by the windows, her slim body taut. He shook his head and sighed. If he had a girl like that, now—a bell jangled harshly.
“Captain C-F on the phone, sir,” said a rating, his hand over the mouthpiece.
“What the devil—oh, all right.” He took the instrument and listened intently.
The Captain’s voice was crisp. “Had a signal from Coastal Command. You’ll be getting it about now, but I can’t wait. One of the boats has bought it, so you’d better arrange for all the usual stuff.”
“Was there some trouble then, sir? I thought the operation was pretty clear cut.”
The girl turned from the window, stiffening, her face white.
“Don’t know anything else yet, Commander. But inform the hospital at once to get ready.”
The line went dead, and he slowly replaced the receiver. “Bad news, isn’t it?” Her voice was hoarse.
“We don’t know yet,” he said grimly. “Come on, we’ll get up to the main jetty where they come in.”
In silence they hurried along the foreshore, the plump, red-faced Commander, and the small Wren at his side, until they arrived at the old harbour entrance. There was a strong smell of seaweed and fuel oil.
Wright tensed, a string of flags rose to the yard of the boom vessel. “Damn my eyes! They must be able to see the boats. Can you see ’em, girl?” He gripped her arm tightly.
The sea was smooth and glassy, and in the far distance she saw the fast-moving craft sweeping defiantly across the early-morning stillness, ploughing up great rollers of crested foam. The air trembled and slowly filled with the vicious snarl of the racing engines, until all other sounds were swamped, and the very wharf seemed to vibrate under their feet. Nearer and nearer they came, in a perfect formation, the ensigns flapping wildly, making a splash of colour against the sombre grey hulls.
Wright was counting, “Five, six, seven. Just one missing.”
She clenched her hands until the nails bit into her palms. It mustn’t be, it can’t be, her heart cried out. Not now. Oh God, spare him. Her eyes smarted, so that she could hardly see the slim shapes as they roared round the headland and into the harbour reach. The first boat bore a line of scars along her fo’c’sle, and two still shapes lay on her stained deck, covered by their blankets.
Good old Benjy, thought Wright, he’s made it again.
One by one they nosed up to the jetty, where the ambulances stood patiently.
“By God!” roared Wright deafeningly. “There he is! There’s your boy!”
M.T.B. 9779 screeched alongside the rubber fenders of the jetty, and the ropes snaked ashore to the waiting hands. The engines sighed away to stillness as the stretcher-bearers went aboard.
She was running now, blindly stumbling over the slimy, uneven stones, her eyes bright, and her lips parted.
Royce stepped slowly on to the jetty, his waterproof suit stained and blackened, his shoulders heavy, as he watched the wounded survivors going away.
Then, with a gasp of dazed recognition, he saw her. She didn’t stop running until she fell breathless into his outstretched arms.
“Julia, what are you doing here?”
He held her tightly, shielding her from the scene behind him.
“I brought you your present, darling.” There was a sob in her voice, as she pulled the parcel from under her arm. “You’re safe, you’re safe,” she murmured.
With his free hand he tore open the parcel. It was a bright yellow scarf. He laughed and wrapped it round his neck, then, gently, he lifted her chin, and studied her face seriously.
“Are you happy now, darling?”
She nodded, and together they walked up the jetty.
Behind them, the little ships lay quiet and still.
Historical Fiction Published by McBooks Press
Available at bookstores. Call toll-free to order or request
our free book catalog: 1-888-BOOKS-11 (1-888-266-5711).
Visit the McBooks Press website: www.mcbooks.com
ALEXANDER KENT
___ Midshipman Bolitho
0-935526-41-2 • 240 pp., $13.95
___ Stand Into Danger
0-935526-42-0 • 288 pp., $13.95
___ In Gallant Company
0-935526-43-9 • 320 pp., $14.95
___ Sloop of War
0-935526-48-X • 352 pp., $15.95
___ To Glory We Steer
0-935526-49-8 • 352 pp., $15.95
___ Command a King’s Ship
0-935526-50-1 • 352 pp., $14.95
___ Passage to Mutiny
0-935526-58-7 • 352 pp., $15.95
___ With All Despatch
0-935526-61-7 • 320 pp., $14.95
___ Form Line of Battle!
0-935526-59-5 • 352 pp., $14.95
___ Enemy in Sight!
0-935526-60-9 • 368 pp., $15.95
___ The Flag Captain
0-935526-66-8 • 384 pp., $15.95
___ Signal – Close Action!
0-935526-67-6 • 368 pp., $15.95
___ The Inshore Squadron
0-935526-68-4 • 288 pp., $13.95
___ A Tradition of Victory
0-935526-70-6 • 304 pp., $14.95
___ Success to the Brave
0-935526-71-4 • 288 pp., $13.95
___ Colours Aloft!
0-935526-72-2 • 304 pp., $14.95
___ Honour This Day
0-935526-73-0 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ The Only Victor
0-935526-74-9 • 384 pp., $15.95
___ Beyond the Reef
0-935526-82-X • 352 pp., $14.95
___ The Darkening Sea
0-935526-83-8 • 352 pp., $15.95
___ For My Country’s Freedom
0-935526-84-6 • 304 pp., $15.95
___ Cross of St George
0-935526-92-7 • 320 pp., $16.95
___ Sword of Honour
0-935526-93-5 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ Second to None
0-935526-94-3 • 352 pp., $16.95
___ Relentless Pursuit
1-59013-026-X • 368 pp., $16.95
___ Man of War
1-59013-091-X • 320 pp., $16.95
___ Man of War (HC)
1-59013
-066-9 • 320 pp., $24.95
DOUGLAS REEMAN
Royal Marines Saga
___ Badge of Glory
1-59013-013-8 • 384 pp., $16.95
___ The First to Land
1-59013-014-6 • 304 pp., $15.95
___ The Horizon
1-59013-027-8 • 368 pp., $15.95
___ Dust on the Sea
1-59013-028-6 • 384 pp., $15.95
___ Knife Edge
1-59013-099-5 • 304 pp., $15.95
Modern Naval Fiction Library
___ Twelve Seconds to Live
1-59013-044-8 • 368 pp., $15.95
___ Battlecruiser
1-59013-043-X • 320 pp., $15.95
___ The White Guns
1-59013-083-9 • 368 pp., $15.95
___ A Prayer for the Ship
1-59013-097-9 • 288 pp., $15.95
DEWEY LAMBDIN
___ The French Admiral
1-59013-021-9 • 448 pp., $17.95
___ Jester’s Fortune
1-59013-034-0 • 432 pp., $17.95
DUDLEY POPE
___ Ramage
0-935526-76-5 • 320 pp., $14.95
___ Ramage & the Drumbeat
0-935526-77-3 • 288 pp., $14.95
___ Ramage & the Freebooters
0-935526-78-1 • 384 pp., $15.95
___ Governor Ramage R.N.
0-935526-79-X • 384 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage’s Prize
0-935526-80-3 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage & the Guillotine
0-935526-81-1• 320 pp., $14.95
___ Ramage’s Diamond
0-935526-89-7 • 336 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage’s Mutiny
0-935526-90-0 • 288 pp., $14.95
___ Ramage & the Rebels
0-935526-91-9 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ The Ramage Touch
1-59013-007-3 • 272 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage’s Signal
1-59013-008-1 • 288 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage & the Renegades
1-59013-009-X • 320 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage’s Devil
1-59013-010-3 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage’s Trial
1-59013-011-1 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage’s Challenge
1-59013-012-X • 352 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage at Trafalgar
1-59013-022-7 • 256 pp., $14.95
___ Ramage & the Saracens
1-59013-023-5 • 304 pp., $15.95
___ Ramage & the Dido
1-59013-024-3 • 272 pp., $15.95
ALEXANDER FULLERTON
___ Storm Force to Narvik
1-59013-092-8 • 256 pp., $13.95
JAMES L. NELSON
___ The Only Life That Mattered
1-59013-060-X • 416 pp., $13.95
PHILIP McCUTCHAN
___ Halfhyde at the Bight of Benin
1-59013-078-2 • 228 pp., $13.95
___ Halfhyde’s Island
1-59013-079-0 • 228 pp., $13.95
___ Halfhyde and the Guns of Arrest
1-59013-067-7 • 256 pp., $13.95
___ Halfhyde to the Narrows
1-59013-068-5 • 240 pp., $13.95
___ Halfhyde for the Queen
1-59013-069-3 • 256 pp., $14.95
___ Halfhyde Ordered South
1-59013-071-5 • 256 pp., $14.95
DAVID DONACHIE
The Privateersman Mysteries
___ The Devil’s Own Luck
1-59013-004-9 • 302 pp., $15.95
1-59013-003-0 • 320 pp., $23.95 HC
___ The Dying Trade
1-59013-006-5 • 384 pp., $16.95
1-59013-005-7 • 400 pp., $24.95 HC
___ A Hanging Matter
1-59013-016-2 • 416 pp., $16.95
___ An Element of Chance
1-59013-017-0 • 448 pp., $17.95
___ The Scent of Betrayal
1-59013-031-6 • 448 pp., $17.95
___ A Game of Bones
1-59013-032-4 • 352 pp., $15.95
The Nelson and Emma Trilogy
___ On A Making Tide
1-59013-041-3 • 416 pp., $17.95
___ Tested By Fate
1-59013-042-1 • 416 pp., $17.95
___ Breaking the Line
1-59013-090-0 • 368 pp., $16.95
V.A. STUART
Alexander Sheridan Adventures
___ Victors and Lords
0-935526-98-6 • 272 pp., $13.95
___ The Sepoy Mutiny
0-935526-99-4 • 240 pp., $13.95
___ Massacre at Cawnpore
1-59013-019-7 • 240 pp., $13.95
___ The Cannons of Lucknow
1-59013-029-4 • 272 pp., $14.95
___ The Heroic Garrison
1-59013-030-8 • 256 pp., $13.95
The Phillip Hazard Novels
___ The Valiant Sailors
1-59013-039-1 • 272 pp., $14.95
___ The Brave Captains
1-59013-040-5 • 240 pp., $14.95
___ Hazard’s Command
1-59013-081-2 • 256 pp., $13.95
___ Hazard of Huntress
1-59013-082-0 • 256 pp., $13.95
___ Hazard in Circassia
1-59013-062-6 • 256 pp., $13.95
___ Victory at Sebastopol
1-59013-061-8 • 256 pp., $13.95
___ Guns to the Far East
1-59013-063-4 • 240 pp., $13.95
JAN NEEDLE
___ A Fine Boy for Killing
0-935526-86-2 • 320 pp., $15.95
___ The Wicked Trade
0-935526-95-1 • 384 pp., $16.95
___ The Spithead Nymph
1-59013-077-4 • 288 pp., $14.95
IRV C. ROGERS
___ Motoo Eetee
1-59013-018-9 • 400 pp., $18.95 HC
NICHOLAS NICASTRO
___ The Eighteenth Captain
0-935526-54-4 • 312 pp., $14.95
___ Between Two Fires
1-59013-033-2 • 384 pp., $16.95
C. NORTHCOTE PARKINSON
___ The Guernseyman
1-59013-001-4 • 208 pp., $13.95
___ Devil to Pay
1-59013-002-2 • 288 pp., $14.95
___ The Fireship
1-59013-015-4 • 208 pp., $13.95
___ Touch and Go
1-59013-025-1 • 224 pp., $13.95
___ So Near So Far
1-59013-037-5 • 272 pp., $13.95
___ Dead Reckoning
1-59013-038-3 • 320 pp., $15.95
Classics of Nautical Fiction
CAPTAIN FREDERICK MARRYAT
___ Frank Mildmay OR
The Naval Officer
0-935526-39-0 • 352 pp., $14.95
___ The King’s Own
0-935526-56-0 • 384 pp., $15.95
___ Mr Midshipman Easy
0-935526-40-4 • 352 pp., $14.95
___ Newton Forster OR
The Merchant Service
0-935526-44-7 • 352 pp., $13.95
___ Snarleyyow OR
The Dog Fiend
0-935526-64-1 • 384 pp., $16.95
___ The Phantom Ship
0-935526-85-4 • 320 pp., $14.95
___ The Privateersman
0-935526-69-2 • 288 pp., $15.95
A.D. HOWDEN SMITH
___ Porto Bello Gold
0-935526-57-9 • 288 pp., $13.95
RAFAEL SABATINI
___ Captain Blood
0-935526-45-5 • 288 pp., $15.95
MICHAEL SCOTT
___ Tom Cringle’s Log
0-935526-51-X • 512 pp., $14.95
WILLIAM CLARK RUSSELL
___ The Yarn of Old Harbour Town
0-935526-65-X • 256 pp., $14.95
___ The Wreck of the Grosvenor
0-935526-52-8 • 320 pp., $13.95
Military
Fiction Classics
R.F. DELDERFIELD
___ Seven Men of Gascony
0-935526-97-8 • 368 pp., $16.95
___ Too Few for Drums
0-935526-96-X • 256 pp., $14.95