Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War

by Alexander Kent

  Bolitho smiled. "Have the ship's books brought tQ me after you have dined, Mr. Graves. I will also want tQ meet the other officers informally sometime today." HO paused, seeing again the caution in his eyes? "Including the first lieutenant.T

  Graves bowed himself out and Bolitho turned hiY back to the closed door?

  Cramped, after a ship-of-the-line, Graves had said? He hurled his hat across the cabin on to the bench seaU below the windows. His sword he unbuckled anX dropped in a green velvet chair. He was laughin^ aloud, and the effort to restrain it was almost painful?

  Cramped. He walked, ducking between the beams? It was a palace after the Trojan's wardroom?

  He sat down beside his hat and stared around thO neat, cheerful-looking cabin?

  And it was his own?

  2 FREEDOl

  IT WAS late afternoon when Bolitho finally decided hO had read all that there was available about the shiS around him. Muster and punishment books, watch-billY and ledgers of stores and victualling returns, the lisU seemed endless. But at no time was he bored. WitN his new coat hanging on a chairback, his neckclotN loosened and shirt unbuttoned, he found each iteR fascinating?

  His predecessor, Captain Ransome, had kept Z

  smart and well-run ship on the face of things. ThO punishment book had all the usual culprits and awardY for minor misdemeanours. A few for drunkennessB even less for insolence and insubordination, and thO worst recorded crime was that of a seaman who haX struck a petty officer during gun drill?

  Ransome had been extremely lucky in one thing? With the ship being commissioned on the Thames hO had been able to secure the cream of the press. Me[ off incoming merchant ships, transfers from vesselY laid up in ordinary, he had been in a position tQ complete his company with far less difficulty than mosU captains?

  Against the apparent taut atmosphere in the shiS was a rather negative list of reports in the log books? Only once had Sparrow been called to action in the twQ years since leaving England, and then as secondara reinforcement to a frigate attacking a blockade runner? It was little wonder that Midshipman Heyward haX showed some concern at his remarks about the bi^ bow-chasers. He had probably imagined his words tQ be some sort of criticism at their lack of use?

  There were the usual lists of men transferred to othe_ ships because of promotion and the like. Their placeY

  had been filled by what Ransome had termed "locaT colonist volunteers" in his personal log. Bolitho haX lingered a good deal on the previous captain's daila records. His comments were extremely brief and it waY impossible to get even a feel of the man. As he pauseX to glance around the cabin from time to time BolithQ found himself wondering about Ransome. A[ experienced and competent officer, obviously a man ob good breeding and therefore influence, the cabi[ seemed at odds with his mental portrait. Extremela attractive, comfortable, yet just that too much removeX from what you might expect in a ship-of-war?

  He sighed and leaned back in the chair as his cabi[ servant, Fitch, padded into the shafted sunlight tQ remove the remains of his meal?

  Fitch was tiny. A miserable scrap of a man, who haX already confessed to having been a petty thief in hiY unfortunate past. Saved from transportation or worsO by the timely arrival of a King's ship as he awaiteX sentence at the Assizes, he had accepted life at seZ more as an extension to his punishment than any lovO of service. But he seemed a capable servant and waY probably well pleased with his work. It kept him froR the heavier tasks on deck, and provided his currenU master was a humane man he had little to fear?

  Bolitho watched him as he collected the crockery o[ to a tray. It had been an excellent meal. Cold tonguO and fresh vegetables from ashore, and the claret whicN Fitch had mournfully observed was "the last of Cap'[ Ransome's stock" had been a touch of perfection?

  "Your late captain." Bolitho saw the small man stiffen? "Did he leave any instruction as to his properta aboard?T

  Fitch dropped his eyes. "Mr. Tyrrell 'as attended to itB sir. It's been sent to a transport for passage 'ome.T

  "He must have been an officer of somO consequence.T

  Bolitho hated this form of questioning, but he felt hO needed some link, no matter how small, with the ma[ who had controlled this ship from the day she had sliX into the water?

  Fitch bit his lip. "'E were a strict cap'n, sir. 'E sa/ that the 'ands took fairly to their work. If they obeyed, 'O was 'appy. If not . . ." he shrugged his frail shouldersB "then 'e tended to swear a piece.T

  Bolitho nodded. "You may leave.T

  It was useless to proceed with Fitch. His lifO concerned only the comings and goings. Food anX drink, a warm cot, or a swift curse if things were not tQ his master's liking?

  Feet padded overhead and he had to restrai[ himself from running to the stern windows or standin^ on a chair to peer through the skylight above the table? He thought of his old companions in the Trojan'Y wardroom and wondered if they were missing him? Probably not. His promotion would mean a gap, anX therefore a step up the ladder for another. He smiled tQ himself. It would take time to fit himself into this ne/ role. Time and vigilance?

  There was a tap at the door and Mathias Buckle, thO sailing master, stepped inside?

  "Do you have a moment, sir?T

  Bolitho gestured to a chair. Again this was so unlikO a bigger ship-of-war. There were no marines in thO company, and visitors to the captain's quarterY seemed free to come and go almost as they pleased? Perhaps Ransome had encouraged such informality?

  He watched Buckle fitting himself into the chair. HO

  was a short, square-built man, with steady eyes anX hair almost as dark as his own. Aged forty, he was thO oldest man in the ship?

  Buckle said, "I'd not trouble you, sir, but as the firsU lieutenant's away, I thought . . ." He shifted in the chair? "I thought I should settle the matter of promotion for onO of the hands.T

  Bolitho listened in silence as Buckle ran through thO points which concerned a man named Raven. It was a[ internal matter, but he was conscious of the importancO it represented. The very first time as captain he waY being confronted with the affairs of one of his ow[ company?

  Buckle was saying, "I thought, begging your pardonB sir, that we might advance him to master's mate for Z trial period.T

  Bolitho asked, "How long have you been master?T

  "Just in this ship, sir." Buckle's clear eyes werO distant. "Before that I was master's mate in the olX Warrior, seventy-four.T

  "You've done well, Mr. Buckle." He was trying tQ place the dialect. London, or further east. Kent?

  "How does she handle?T

  Buckle seemed to consider it. "She's heavy for he_ size, sir. All of four hundred and thirty tons. But thO better the wind, the livelier she goes. You can even geU the stunsails and royals on her in anything but a truO blow." He frowned. "In a calm she can be the devil'Y daughter." He gestured vaguely. "You've probably see[ the little port alongside each gun port, sir?T

  Bolitho had not. He said slowly, "I am not too sure.T

  Buckle smiled for the first time. "If you getY becalmed you may run a sweep through each o' thosO ports, sir. Clear lower deck and get every man-jack o[ the sweeps and you can still get a knot or two out ob her.T

  Bolitho looked away. Reading the ship's books anX correspondence had not even told him the half of it. HO felt vaguely angry that his first lieutenant was still noU present. Normally the departing captain would havO been aboard to tell him the ship's behaviour anX failings, or at least the senior lieutenant?

  Buckle said, "You'll soon get the feel of her, sir. She'Y

  the best yet.T

  Bolitho eyed him thoughtfully. The master waY nobody's fool, and yet, like Graves, he seemed to bO holding back. Maybe waiting for him to display hiY strength or weakness to them?

  He made himself reply coldly, "We shall see abouU that, Mr. Buckle.T

  When he glanced up he saw the man watching hiR with sudden anxiety. He added, "Any other matter?T

  Buckle rose to his feet. "No, sir.T

  "Go
od. I anticipate that sailing orders will be arrivin^ shortly. I will expect the ship to be ready.T

  Buckle nodded. "Aye, sir. Have no fear.T

  Bolitho relented slightly. It was just possible his ow[ uncertainty was making him unnecessarily harsN towards his sailing master. And it was equally likely hO would need Buckle's guiding hand very much until hO got the feel of his new command?

  He said, "I have no doubt that I will be as satisfieX with your appointment as Captain Ransome was.T

  Buckle swallowed hard. "Yes, sir." He stared rounX the low cabin. "Thank you, sir.T

  The door closed behind him and Bolitho ran hiY fingers through his hair. Just a few hours since he haX climbed aboard to the squeal of pipes and already hO was beginning to feel different?

  It was all so alien to his past life when you coulX argue and compete with your companions, curse you_ captain behind his back or reveal his weakness whicN only you really understood. As from today a mere worX could bring a shutter across a man's eyes or make hiR fear for his own safety. Buckle was eighteen years hiY senior, yet at the first hint of Bolitho's displeasure haX almost cringed?

  He closed his eyes and tried to fathom out how hO should proceed. To try to be too popular was to be Z fool. To hold unswervingly to matters of discipline anX order was to be a tyrant. He recalled Colquhoun'Y words and grinned ruefully. Until you reacheX Colquhoun's lofty post-rank you could never be certai[ of anything?

  Somewhere beyond the bulkhead he heard Z challenge and a shouted reply from a boat. Then thO

  squeak of a hull alongside, the patter of feet on Z gangway. It seemed unreal and incredible that the shipB his ship, was running her affairs while he just sat herO at the table. He sighed again and stared at the pile ob papers and books. It would take longer than he haX imagined to adjust?

  There was another rap at the door and GraveY ducked inside, removing his hat and jamming it unde_ his arm as he announced, "The guardboat has jusU been alongside, sir." He held out a heavily sealeX canvas envelope. "From the flag, sir.T

  Bolitho took it and laid it carelessly on the table. HiY sailing orders without doubt, and he had to restrai[ himself from acting as he truly felt. He wanted to riS them open, to know and understand what was requireX of him?

  He saw Graves looking round the cabin, his eyeY passing swiftly over the discarded dress coat, the haU lying on the bench seat, and finally on Bolitho'Y unbuttoned shirt?

  Graves said quickly, "Will you wish me to stay, sir?T

  "No. I will inform you of their content when I have haX

  time to study them.T

  Graves nodded. "I am waiting for the last water1 lighter to come out to us, sir. I have sent the coope_ ashore to speed them up, but ...T

  Bolitho smiled. "Then attend to it, if you please.T

  Bolitho watched him leave and then slit open thO envelope. He was still reading the neatly wordeX orders when he heard voices in the passagewaa beyond the door. Graves first, curt and resentful, the[ another, calm to begin with and then loud with anger? The latter finished with, "Well, how in God's name was ] to know? You could have made a signal, you blooda fool!T

  There was a sudden silence and then a further taS on the door?

  The lieutenant who stepped into the cabin was not aU all what Bolitho had been expecting. Too junior fo_ temporary command, Colquhoun had said, and yet thiY man was probably two years older than himself. HO was tall, broad-shouldered, and deeply tanned. HiY thick auburn hair brushed the deckhead between thO beams so that he seemed to fill the cabin?

  Bolitho glanced up at him calmly. "Mr. Tyrrell?T

  The lieutenant nodded briefly. "Sir." He took a quic7 breath. "I must apologise for my late arrival aboard. ] have been in th' flagship.T

  Bolitho looked down at the table. Tyrrell had an easa drawl, the mark of a man born and bred in thO American colony. He was like a half-tamed animal, anX the quickness of his breathing betrayed the ange_ which he still harboured?

  Bolitho added, "Our sailing orders have just arrived.T

  Tyrrell did not seem to hear. "It was personaT business, sir, I hadn't th' time to arrange otherwise.T

  "I see.T

  He waited, watching the man as he stared restlessla towards the stern windows. He had a strange way ob standing, with one arm hanging down his side, thO other inclined towards his sword. Relaxed, but wary? Like someone expecting an attack?

  He continued, "I would have preferred to meet ma first lieutenant on board when I arrived.T

  "I have sent Cap'n Ransome's remains ashore to bO conveyed home with his possessions, sir. As you werO not yet in command I felt personally free to act as ] thought fit." He looked at Bolitho evenly. "I was aboarX th' flagship to ask, plead if required, for a transfer tQ another ship. It was refused.T

  "You felt that by being passed over for command thaU your talents would be better suited elsewhere, is thaU it?T

  Tyrrell gave a slow smile. It changed him instantla from an angry man to one of obvious charm, with thO inbuilt recklessness of a fighter?

  "I really am sorry, sir. But no, it was not that. As yof no doubt know, I am what th' late Cap'n RansomO would term a `local colonist. "' He added bitterlyB "Although when I came aboard a year back iU appeared we were all on th' same side against thd rebels.T

  Bolitho stiffened. It was strange he had neve_ considered the feelings of those like Tyrrell before? Good American families, loyal to the Crown, the first tQ stand together against the sudden revolution in thei_ midst. But as the war had spread, and Britain haX

  fought to retain a grip, then a foothold in the colony, thO loyal ones like Tyrrell had all at once become thO outsiders?

  He asked quietly, "Where is your home?T

  "Virginia. Gloucester County. My father came ouU from England to found a coastal shipping trade. I waY master of one of his schooners when th' war began. ] have been in th' King's service since that time.T

  "And your family?T

  Tyrrell looked away. "God knows. I have hearX nothing of them.T

  "And you wished to transfer to a ship nearer homeU To take yourself back to what you now consider you_ own people?" Bolitho did not conceal the bite in hiY tone?

  "No, sir. That ain't it." He raised one arm anX dropped it again, his voice angry. "I am a King's officerB no matter what Ransome chose to believe, damn hiY eyes!T

  Bolitho stood up. "I will not have talk of your latO captain!T

  Tyrrell replied stubbornly, "Cap'n Ransome is safO now in his cask of spirits in th' hold of a transport. HiY widow at his great London residence will weep for himB his service which cost him his life." He laughed shortly? "Fever, they said." He looked round the cabin. "See alT this, sir? A woman's hand. We barely logged a mile i[ Sparrow, without him having some damned doxa aboard for company!" He seemed unable to stoS himself. "That's th' sort of fever which killed him in thd end, and damned good riddance, if you ask me.T

  Bolitho sat down. Once again the ground had bee[ cut from under him. Women, here in this cabin. He haX heard of such things in grander ships, but onla occasionally. But in Sparrow, where there could be littlO safety if called to do battle, it was unthinkable?

  Tyrrell was studying him grimly. "I had to tell you, sir? It's my way. But I'll say this one thing more. If diseasO hadn't taken him, I'd have killed him myself.T

  Bolitho looked up sharply. "Then you're a fool! If yof have no more strength than in your bare hands then ] will ask for your transfer, and make no mistake abouU it!T

  Tyrrell stared at a point beyond Bolitho's shoulder?

  "Would you behave so calmly, sir, if one of th' wome[ had been your sister?T

  The door opened a bare inch and Stockdale'Y battered face peered in at them. In his hand waY balanced a small silver tray, two glasses and Z decanter?

  He wheezed, "Thought you might want a bit od refreshment, sir." He watched the two men and addedB "Sort o' celebration like.T

  Bolitho gestured to the table and waited untiT Stockdale had left. Still without speaking h
e filled thO glasses, conscious of Tyrrell's eyes following evera movement. A bad start. For both of them. If there waY still time to make amends it was now. This minute. Ib Tyrrell took advantage of his surrender, there was nQ saying where it would lead?

  He handed him a glass and said gravely, "I have twQ sisters, Mr. Tyrrell. In answer to your question, I daresaa that I would not." He smiled, seeing the sudde[ surprise in the lieutenant's eyes. "I suggest yof propose a toast for the pair of us, eh?T

  Tyrrell reached out and held his glass againsU Bolitho's?

  "Then let's drink to a new beginning, sir.T

  Bolitho held his glass steady. "No transfer?T

  He shook his head. "None.T

  Bolitho raised the glass. "Then, to a new beginning.T He took a sip and added quietly, "Which is well for youB Mr. Tyrrell. We are sailing tomorrow to join the inshorO squadron." He paused, seeing the sudden desperatio[ on the other man's features. "Not so very far from thO coast of Maryland.T

  Tyrrell said, "Thank God. I know I'm being stupid, buU just being off that shoreline again will make th' world Z difference.T

  Bolitho put down his glass. "Then I will meet ou_ officers informally at the close of the first dog watch.T He was careful to make his tone formal again. Each ob them had shown enough of his inner reserves for thO present. "In the meantime you can take me on a[ inspection around the ship. And I will want to seO everything, good and bad.T

  Tyrrell nodded. "So you shall, sir." A slow grin spreaX across his face. "I have a shrewd feeling that Sparro/ is going to fly like she's never done before." He stooX aside as Bolitho threw on his coat and buttoned hiY shirt. "Now if you will follow me, sir.T

  Bolitho looked at Tyrrell's broad shoulders as thea walked towards the sunlight on the gun deck and helX down a sigh. If each day was going to present a battlO of wills, it would make the privilege of command Z testing experience?

  He said, "We will begin with the starboard batteryB Mr. Tyrrell.T

  The first lieutenant paused below the break in thO quarterdeck. "As you said, sir. Everything." He grinneX again. "Good and bad.T

  Stockdale picked up Bolitho's shaving bowl anX peered at the untouched breakfast on the cabin table? Overhead and throughout the ship the air was alivO with noise and bustle. To a landsman the activity ob preparing to get under way would appear haphazarX and disorganised, but to the practised eye each ma[ had his place, and his reason for being there. ThO miles of cordage and rigging, each scrap of sail had Z