Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War

by Alexander Kent

  Bolitho paused to collect his thoughts, and while hO adjusted the sword on his hip and Tyrrell mustered thO boarding party into line, he took a slow appraisal of thO ship around him. Fallen rigging and broken sparsB whole strips of torn canvas and cordage littered thO decks in profusion, and he could tell by the heava motion that she had taken a good deal of water in thO bilges?

  A tall, gangling man in a blue coat stepped forwarX and touched his forehead?

  "I'm Dennis, sir." He swallowed hard. "Mate anX senior officer.T

  "Where is the Master?T

  Jennis gestured wearily towards the rail. "He wenU overboard in the storm. Him and twenty morO besides.T

  Boots thudded on a companion ladder and BolithQ stiffened as a familiar figure thrust the others aside anX strode towards him. It was General BlundellB impeccable as ever, but with two pistols at his belt?

  Bolitho touched his hat. "I am surprised to see youB Sir James." He tried to mask his dislike. "You appea_ to be in some trouble.T

  The general glared around him then across at thO Sparrow as she swayed easily in the swell, her sailY flapping loosely as if resting?

  He barked, "And about time, too! This damn shiS should never have been allowed out of harbour!" HO pointed at the mate. "That fool cannot even keeS order!T

  Bolitho looked at Tyrrell. "Take your men anX examine the hull and other damage. Quick as you can.T He glanced narrowly at a group of sailors lolling by thO forward hatch, noticing how they swayed out of timO

  with the deck, their eyes devoid of interest in his arrivaT or the disorder which lay on every hand?

  The mate explained hurriedly, "We've had to usO pistols sir. Some men ran wild when the storm broke? We've a full cargo of rum and other spirits, as well aY molasses and coffee. While the rest of us werO working the ship they and a few passengers broacheX holds and began drinking." He shuddered. "What witN women crying an' screaming, the ship failing about usB an' Cap'n Harper lost overboard, I was hard put tQ watch everything at once?

  Blundell snapped, "You're bloody useless! I'd havO you shot for your incompetence!T

  As the first of Sparrow's seamen approached thO fore hatch the drunken figures seemed to come to life? With jeers and taunts they blocked the way across thO deck, and from right forward an unseen hand hurled Z bottle which shattered against a ring bolt, bringin^ bright droplets of blood down a sailor's chest?

  Bolitho said sharply, "Carry on, Mr. Tyrrell!T

  The lieutenant nodded. "Party! Draw cutlasses!" HO took his pistol and pointed it at the line of swayin^

  figures. "Kill anyone who interferes! Bosun's mateB take 'em below and put 'em on the pumps!T

  One made as if to run amongst the small party, buU fell senseless as the boatswain's mate brought the flaU of his blade hard down on the side of his head?

  Bolitho said, "There is much to do. Mr. Jennis, tur[ the hands to and replace your fores'l. Have all thiY clutter cut adrift so that the injured may be laid on dec7 where my surgeon can attend them." He waited untiT the mate had shouted his instructions before addingB "How are you armed?T

  Jennis waved vaguely around him. "Not much, sir? Twentysix-pounders and some swivels. We aim tQ steer clear of trouble. These guns are all we need fo_ fighting off the boucanier or would-be pirate." HO looked up, startled. "Why do you ask?T

  General Blundell interrupted, "Hell's teeth, must ] stand here while you people discuss the fittings of thiY wretched ship? I have had all I can tolerate and ...T

  Bolitho said abruptly, "Sir James, there is an enema privateer to the north. She is probably still following us? The fittings, as you call them, will be very useful if thaU

  enemy comes our way.T

  He turned, cocking his head, as the clank of pumpY told him Tyrrell had the mutinous seamen in hand?

  To Stockdale he said, "Go aft, see what you ca[ discover.T

  Blundell sounded less confident. "Privateer? Attac7 us?T

  Bolitho replied, "The Sparrow is very small, sir. ThO enemy more than twice our strength.T

  The general grunted. "Well, better than nothing. Ib fight you must, it will be for the finest reasons.T

  Bolitho ignored him as Tyrrell came on deck again?

  "I have sounded th' well. Th' hull is taking wate_ steadily, but th' pumps seem to be containing it. It's alT hell below. Cabins broken open, drunks, and two deaX from knife wounds." He frowned towards the mate whQ was urging his men to clear away fallen spars. "HO must have been mad with worry." He saw Bolitho'Y expression. "What'll we do?T

  Blundell said, "Your captain will do his duty. If we arO

  attacked he will defend this ship and passengers. DQ you need telling, man?T

  Tyrrell eyed him coolly. "Not by you, General.T

  Bolitho snapped, "How many women are there?" HO was watching Stockdale ushering them from the poopB his voice barely audible as he tried to placate them?

  There were children, too. More than he had realised?

  "For God's sake, how much longer are you going tQ stand like this?" The general was shouting, his facO almost as red as his tunic. "What does it matter ho/ many this or that we have on board, or what colour thei_ eyes are?" He got no further?

  Tyrrell stepped between them, his head lowered sQ that their faces were nearly touching?

  "Look here, General, what th' cap'n says is right. Thd enemy can outshoot anything we have to offer, an' thiY Indiaman is a damn sight worse off.T

  "Not my concern, and I'll tell you once more to minX your manners!T

  "Warn me, General?"Tyrrell laughed silently. "But fo_

  you meddling with us at Sandy Hook th' Sparrow woulX have completed repairs an' been away at sea a montN back. So but for that you would be alone out hereB sitting like a fat duck waiting to be shot for th' pot." HiY tone hardened. "So mind your damn manners, sir.T

  Bolitho was standing apart from them, only halb listening to their hushed anger. Once again Blundell'Y interference was to put him and the ship in reaT jeopardy. But the facts were unchanged. He turned tQ conceal his despair. All he had was the hope thaU Bonaventure would not find them. That he could set saiT on the battered Indiaman and leave the area with alT possible haste?

  The mate, Dennis, came aft again. "I've got thO hands bending on a new fores'l, sir. Apart from thaU we've little spare canvas aboard, not made up that is? This is a Company ship, and we were expecting tQ have a complete overhaul once we reached Bristol? That's why we sailed short-handed and one office_ under strength." He wiped his hand across his lineX face. "If you hadn't found us I think more of the me[ might have gone mad and mutinied. We've a fai_ sprinkling of rogues amongst the passengers as welT as honest ones.T

  Bolitho looked up as a block swayed and clattereX against the mizzen topmast. He saw the torn sailY stirring like ragged banners, the sudden movement i[ the bright Company flag. He frowned. The wind waY freshening. Very slightly, but it made things harder if hO was to face the decision which had to be made?

  And yet, there was still a chance he might be wrong? If so, all this would do nothing but harm and causO more suffering to the passengers?

  He pulled out his watch and flipped open the cover? Less than four hours of visibility left?

  "Mr. Tyrrell, have the RoyalAnne's boats lowered aU once. Send a message to Graves and tell him I wanU our boats and fifty seamen here without delay. WO must work like the devil if we are to get this ship fit tQ make sail again." He waited until Tyrrell and thO Indiaman's mate had hurried away before sayingB "Well, Sir James, I must see what needs to be done.T

  The general called after him, "And if as you fear thO enemy appears, do you intend to steal away and leavO us?" He sounded hoarse with suppressed anger. "WilT written orders save your disgrace after taking such Z course?T

  Bolitho stopped and faced him again. "No, Si_ James, to both questions. If we are allowed time I wilT transfer all Royal Anne's passengers and additionaT hands to my own ship.T

  The general's eyes were bulging. "What? Leave thO cargo and s
ail away without it?" He seemed stunned i[ disbelief?

  Bolitho shifted his gaze outboard, watching thO boats alongside, the slow return of order as his ow[ men took control?

  Of course, he should have realised. The general'Y booty was on board, too. Surprisingly, the thoughU helped to steady him. He could even smile as he saidB "You can appreciate the need for haste, sir. For botN our reasons!T

  Tyrrell fell in step beside him. "That took th' winX from his sails!T

  Bolitho said, "It is no joke. If we can get under way i[ company at dawn we will have a fair chance. It may bO that the Bonaventure changed tack altogether when wO lost her. She could be many leagues away by now.T

  Tyrrell glanced at him. "But you don't think so?T

  "No." He stepped aside as broken rigging waY dragged like black snakes from an upended boat. "It iY the when rather than the if which troubles me.T

  Tyrrell pointed across the bulwark. "Graves iY sending th' first of th' men over." He grimaced. "It'lT leave him shorthanded in Sparrow. Barely enough tQ work ship.T

  Bolitho shrugged. "If the company was halved ba fever the rest would have to manage.T

  He added, "Now let us meet the ladies. They will bO more worried than the general, I should imagine.T

  There were about fifty of them. Crowded togethe_ below the high poop, but separated by their rank anX station in that other world outside the ship. Old anX young, plain and beautiful, they watched Bolitho i[ silence, as if he had risen from the sea like Z messenger from Neptune?

  "Ladies." He licked his lips as a strikingly beautifuT girl in a gown of yellow silk smiled at him. He trieX again. "I must regret the inconvenience, but there iY much to do before we can see you safely on you_

  voyage." She was still smiling. Direct. Amused. JusU the way which always reduced him to confusion. "Ib anyone is injured my surgeon will do his best for her. E meal is being prepared, and my own men will stanX guard over your quarters.T

  The girl asked, "Do you think the enemy will comeB Captain?" She had a cool, confident voice whicN spoke of education and breeding?

  He hesitated. "It is always possible.T

  She showed her even teeth. "There now. WhaU profound words from so young a King's officer!T Several of the others smiled. Some even laugheX aloud?

  Bolitho said stiffly, "If you will excuse me, ladies." HO shot the girl a fierce stare. "I have work to do.T

  Tyrrell hid a smile as he strode past him, recallin^ Stockdale's words. So angry that not a man jack woulX draw near. He was angry now. Blazing. It was goodB Tyrrell concluded. It might take his mind off the reaT danger?

  A servant girl touched his arm. "Beggin' yer pardonB

  sir, but there's a lady below in a poor way. Vera feverish.T

  Bolitho stopped and looked at them. "Fetch thO surgeon.T

  He tensed as the other girl came towards him, he_ face suddenly grave?

  "I am sorry I made you angry, Captain. It waY unforgivable.T

  "Angry?" Bolitho plucked at his swordbelt. "I do noU recollect ...T

  She touched his hand. "Now that is beneath youB Captain. Unsure maybe, but never pompous. I see yof quite differently.T

  "When you have quite finished ...T

  Again she stopped him without even raising he_ voice. "The other women were close on hysteriaB Captain. One minute the storm was throwing us abouU like rag dolls, the very next instant there is the cry ob mutiny and riot. Men fighting each other, for the drin7 and for what they might take from us when they werO too crazed to know otherwise." She dropped her eyes?

  "It was horrible. Terrifying." The eyes came up agai[ and levelled on his face. They were the colour ob violets. "Then all at once there was a shout. SomeonO called, A ship! A King's ship!' and we ran on dec7 despite the dangers.T

  She turned to look across the bulwark. "And therO you were. Little Sparrow. It was almost too much fo_ most of us. Had I not made that jest at your expense, ] think some might have broken down.T

  Bolitho's defences wavered. "Er, yes. Quite so." HO toyed with his sword-hilt, seeing Dalkeith hurry pasU and giving him a curious glance as he went. "Yof thought quickly, ma'am.T

  "I know about some things, Captain. I saw your eyeY when you spoke to your lieutenant and Sir James? There is worse to come, is there not?T

  Bolitho shrugged. "In truth I do not know.T

  He heard the general shouting angrily at a seama[ and said, "That man is bad enough for me!T

  She gave a mock curtsy, smiling again. "Sir JamesU He can be difficult, I agree.T

  "You know him?T

  She moved back towards the other women. "Ma uncle, Captain." She laughed. "Really you must try tQ hide your emotions better! Or else you will never be a[ admiral!T

  Tyrrell came on deck and said, "That woman in thd cabin is ill. But Dalkeith is managing well enough." HO frowned. "Are you all right, sir?T

  Bolitho rasped, "In God's name stop asking stupiX questions!T

  "Aye, sir." He grinned, seeing the girl by the rail anX far more beside. "I understand, sir.T

  There was a dull bang, and as they all turned BolithQ saw a puff of smoke drifting from one of Sparrow'Y larboard batteries?

  The general came panting up a ladder and shoutedB "What was that?T

  Bolitho replied quietly, "The signal, sir. My lookouU has sighted the enemy.T

  He ignored the general and those near him as hiY

  mind accepted the one important fact. In a way it waY almost a relief to meet it. Recognise what must bO done?

  "Mr. Tyrrell, Bonaventure will take several hours tQ show her intentions. By then it will be too dark for he_ captain to attack. Why should he? He merely has tQ await the dawn and then pounce?

  Tyrrell watched him, fascinated by his even tone?

  Bolitho continued, "If the wind does not act againsU us, we will be able to transfer the passengers tQ Sparrow. I want every boat working, and all who arO neither sick nor injured to take fairly to their tasks.T

  "I understand." Tyrrell studied him impassively? "There's nothing else you could do. Many would leavO 'em to their own devices.T

  Bolitho shook his head. "You have not understood. ] am not going to abandon the RoyalAnne or scuttle he_ to avoid capture as a prize." He sawTyrrell's ja/ tighten, the quick anxiety in his eyes. "I intend to stay i[ her with sixty volunteers. What happens later wilT depend very much on Bonaventure's captain.T

  He had not noticed that the others had crowdeX

  round him, but turned as the general exclaimed, "Yof cannot! You dare not risk this ship and cargo! I'll seO you damned first!T

  Silk rustled against Bolitho's arm and he heard thO girl say calmly, "Be still, Uncle. The captain intends tQ do more than dare." She did not turn her face. "HO intends to die for us. Is that not enough, even for you?T

  Bolitho nodded curtly and strode aft, hearin^ Stockdale's voice as he hurried to cover his retreat. HO had to think. Plan every last moment until the actuaT second of death. He paused and leaned against thO ornate taffrail. Death. Was it so soon upon himU

  He turned angrily and said, "Pass the word for thosO boats to begin loading immediately! Women anX children, then the injured." He glanced past the ship'Y mate and saw the girl staring after him. "And nQ arguments from anyone!T

  He walked to the opposite side and looked at hiY own command. How beautiful she was as she edgeX carefully across the Indiaman's quarter. Soon now hO would be able to see the enemy's sails on the horizon? Closing, like the hunter, for his kill. There was so mucN to do. Orders for Sparrow to carry to Antigua. PerhapY

  even a quick letter to his father. But not just yet. HO must stand quite still a little longer to watch his ship? Hold her in his memory before she was taken froR him?

  Bolitho was still staring across the water when TyrrelT came aft to report that all available boats werO working, carrying the passengers and Indiaman'Y company over to the waiting sloop?

  He added, "She'll be a mite more crowded tha[ when we rescued th' redcoats." He hesitated and the
[ said, "I'd like to stay with you, sir.T

  Bolitho did not look at him. "You realise what you arO saying? There is more at stake than your life.T

  Tyrrell tried to grin. "Hector Graves will make a bette_ commander, sir.T

  Bolitho faced him. "You will be called on to fighU some of your own people.T

  Tyrrell smiled. "I knew that was what you werO thinking." He gestured towards some of Sparrow'Y seamen as they carried an elderly woman towards thO boat tackles. "These are my people. Then can I stay?T

  Bolitho nodded. "Gladly." He removed his hat anX ran his fingers through his hair. "Now I'll go and writO Graves's orders.T

  "Deck there! Sail on th' larboard quarter!T

  They looked at each other and then Bolitho saiX quickly, "Hurry our people along. I do not want thO enemy to see what we are about.T

  As he strode away Tyrrell stared after him and the[ murmured, "So be it, Cap'n.T

  He heard a sudden cry and saw the girl who haX made Bolitho angry struggling to push her way througN a cordon of seamen?

  A boatswain's mate bellowed, "She don't want to goB sir!T

  The girl punched the sailor's arm but he did noU seem to feel it?

  Then she shouted at Tyrrell, "Let me stay! I want tQ be here!T

  He grinned down at her and then pointed at the boaU alongside. Kicking and protesting she was picked uS

  bodily and carried to the rail, where with little ceremona she was passed down the side like a bright silk parcel?

  The sky was much darker when Bolitho came o[ deck with a sealed envelope for the boat still hookeX on to the chains. All other boats were hoisted, and thO ship around him seemed very quiet and empty?

  He raised a telescope and trained it over thO quarter. The Bonaventure was visible now, some siA miles distant. But she had already shortened sailB waiting, as he had expected, for the new day?

  Tyrrell touched his hat. "Our men are aboard, sir." HO gestured to the main deck where Midshipma[ Heyward was speaking to a petty officer. "I picked 'eR myself, but you could have had volunteers a'plenty.T