Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War

by Alexander Kent

  Bolitho watched the nearest headland of CapO Charles losing its bronze crest as the sun finally dippeX behind a line of hills?

  "You may clear for action, Mr. Tyrrell. Better safe tha[ sorry.T

  He wondered briefly what Farr was thinking as hO tacked to follow Sparrow's shadow towards the dar7 mass of land. Doubt, regret, even mistrust. You coulX hardly blame him. It was like groping for coal in Z shuttered cellar?

  Under his shoes he felt the planks quiver to thO hurrying seamen, the thud of screens being torn dow[ and mess tables dragged clear of tackles and guns? That was another difference he had found in Sparrow? Even clearing for action had a sort of intimacy whicN was lacking in a ship-of-the-line. In Trojan the handY had scurried to quarters, urged on by the drumsd staccato beat and the blare of a marine's bugle? Sometimes you never knew men who did not serve i[ your own watch or division. But here it was entirela different. Men nodded to each other as they dashed tQ their stations, a grin here, a brief touch of hands there?

  In many ways it made death harder to accept, a man'Y cries too personal to ignore?

  "Cleared for action, sir.T

  "Good." Bolitho gripped the nettings and watcheX the tiny feathers of surf far abeam, "Alter coursO another point.T

  "Aye, sir." Buckle was muttering to his helmsmen? Then, "Sou'-west by south, sir.T

  "Hold her steady.T

  He moved restlessly below the great spankerB seeing a faint glow on the boom from the compasY bowl?

  There were already plenty of stars in the velvet skyB and there would be a moon on the water in a fe/ hours. But by then he must be inside the bay?

  Tyrrell joined him by the wheel. "It's a strange feeling? My sister'll be no more than fifty miles from where I'R standing. I can still remember it clearly. Th' York RiverB th' place in th' woods where we used to get together aY kids . . ." He turned and said sharply, "Let her fall off Z point. Mr. Buckle! Mr. Bethune, take some men forrarX

  and trim the foreyard again!" He waited until he waY satisfied with the ship's head and the bearing of thO nearest cape and continued, "It's a funny business alT round.T

  Bolitho agreed. After the first few weeks he had noU thought much about Susannah Hardwicke. Now, as hO pictured an unknown girl out there in the darknesY beyond the occasional flash of gunfire, he realised ho/ their lives had become merged. Tyrrell's sister, anX Graves's secret longings for her. Dalkeith's affair ob honour which had cost him his career and almost hiY life. And himself? He was surprised he could still noU examine her memory without regret and a sense ob loss?

  When he looked again he realised that CapO Charles had merged with the shadows. A quick glancO at Tyrrell reassured him. He seemed relaxed, eve[ cheerful, as he stood where he could watch thO compass and the set of the spanker overhead. But fo_ the treacherous span of middle-ground, they coulX have sailed boldly between the capes with Z comfortable four miles or more on either beam?

  Tyrrell said, "We will alter course again, with you_ permission, sir?

  "She's in your hands.T

  Tyrrell grinned. "Aye, aye, sir." To Buckle he calledB "Steerwest by north, full an' bye!T

  Then he cupped his hands and yelled, "Pipe thd hands to th' braces!T

  With the helm down and the seamen hauling at thO braces, Sparrow turned her bows towards the land? Voices called in the gloom, and above the decks thO paler shapes of arms and legs moved busily about thO yards?

  "West by north, sir!" Buckle peered at the flappin^ sails as the ship heeled still further, close-hauled on thO starboard tack?

  Tyrrell limped from side to side, his arm darting ouU to catch a man's attention, or his voice sending anothe_ to pass his orders right forward where Graves waY equally busy?

  "Right, lads! Belay there!" He cocked his head as ib to listen to the chorus of shrouds and vibratin^ halliards. "She's loving it.T

  Bolitho walked up to the weather side and felt thO cold spray across his face. Tyrrell had come and gonO through these capes many times in his father'Y schooner. Perhaps that memory, and the realisatio[ that his sister was now safe and close at hand, madO him forget the purpose of their mission, the chance ob danger with each passing minute?

  "Breakers on the weather bow!" The lookouU sounded nervous?

  But Tyrrell called, "Breakers be damned! That'll bO th' middle-ground." His teeth gleamed in the darkness? "True as a bloody arrow, if I do say so myself?T

  Bolitho smiled at his excitement. Breakers bO damned! He had used much the same phrase anX tone when he had driven his sword through the ma[ who had almost killed him beside the pond?

  The massive, looming shoulder of Cape Henra hardened from the darkness on the larboard beamB and for a brief instant Bolitho imagined they were toQ close, that the wind had thrust them further downwinX than Tyrrell had allowed?

  He dragged his eyes to the opposite side, anX

  through the spray and across the deep inshore swelT he saw a revolving patch of white. The middle-grounX was clearly marked by the swirl of broken water, but ib Tyrrell had misjudged his approach it would have bee[ too late to avoid it?

  Tyrrell shouted, "Once saw a damn fine Dutchma[ aground there! She broke her back!T

  Buckle muttered, "That's bloody encouraging!T

  Bolitho peered astern. "I hope Heron's seen ou_ entrance.T

  "She'll be fine." Tyrrell hurried to the side and studieX the darker wedge of land. "She draws less and iY better to handle close-hauled." He patted the rail. "BuU Sparrow'11 do for me!T

  "Take in the forecourse, if you please." BolithQ pitched his ear to the sea's changing sounds. ThO hollow boom of surf against rocks, the deeper note ob water exploring a cave or some narrow gully below thO headland. "Then the spanker.T

  Under topsails and jib Sparrow crept deeper into thO bay, her stem rising and plunging across tiderace anX swell alike, her helmsmen tensed at the wheel, fingerY

  sensing her will almost as soon as she did?

  Minutes dragged by, then an half-hour. With eyeY straining into the darkness, and other men poised aU gunport tackles and braces, the sloop tackeX delicately below the cape?

  Then Tyrrell said, "No ships here, sir, Lynnhaven lieY abeam now. Any squadron at anchor, ours or th' FrogsB would be showing some sort of light. To deter a[ enemy, if for no other reason.T

  "That makes good sense.T

  Bolitho walked away to hide his disappointment? Odell had been right to ask for written orders, for ib Bolitho had misjudged Hood's whereabouts this badla he could be equally at fault for quitting his prope_ station in the south. A series of dull explosions echoeX across the water, and one bright stab of flame, as ib some powder had been accidentally fired?

  He ran his fingers through his hair, wondering whaU he should do next. Sail on for New York? It seemed thO only solution?

  Tyrrell said quietly, "If we are to beat clear of thd

  cape, then I suggest we wear ship now." He paused? "Or anchor." Bolitho joined him by the compass. "The[ we anchor. We must make contact with the army. Thea at least should know what is happening.T

  Tyrrell sighed. "It's hard to think that there's a dam[ great army out there across our bows. Poor bastards? If they are in Yorktown as Odell was led to believe, the[ they are well placed. But it'll be no comfort if they comO under siege.T

  "Let's waste no more time." Bolitho beckoned tQ Fowler. "Show the lantern again. Captain Farr wilT anchor when he sees the signal.T

  The topsails stirred noisily as Sparrow turneX obediently into the wind, her anchor throwing up Z sheet of spray like some disturbed water-spirit?

  Buckle called, "Easy with that light, Mr. Fowler0 Enough!T

  Tyrrell dropped his voice. "No matter. We'll havO been sighted from th' moment we weathered th' cape.T

  Bolitho looked at him. It was not difficult to picturO some scurrying messenger or a mounted man ridin^ through the darkness to warn of their arrival. He felU

  much as he had done in Delaware Bay. Cut off anX restricted, with only the vaguest idea of wha
t waY happening?

  Tyrrell said, "I can take a boat, sir. If th' army iY encamped in th' town, then they'll be well shieldeX around th' next spit of land along York River." HO sounded suddenly on edge. "God, this quiet disturbY me more'n gunfire! My grandfather was a soldier. UseX to make my flesh creep with his yarns of night fighting.T

  Bolitho watched the topmen sliding down to thO deck, seemingly indifferent to the closeness of land o_ a possible enemy?

  "Rig boarding nets and have half the twelve1 pounders loaded with grape.T

  Tyrrell nodded. "Aye. An' I'll put some good hands o[ th' swivels, too. No sense in being rushed by somO crazy boat attack." He waited and then asked, "Shall ] go?T

  "Very well. Take both cutters. Mr. Graves ca[ command the second one. Mr. Fowler will go with yof in case we need any signals made.T

  A voice called, "Heron's anchored, sir!T

  But when Bolitho looked across the nettings hO could see nothing. The lookout must have caught Z brief glimpse of her reefed topsails as she edgeX around the cape, or the splash of her anchor when shO let go?

  Tackles creaked and jerked as both cutters werO swayed over the gangways before the decks werO sealed off in a web of nets. That could be left safely tQ the boatswain. Not too taut to afford a grip to somO daring boarder, just slack enough to confuse him, tQ allow a pike or bayonet to catch him before he coulX slip free?

  Men shuffled across the deck, and he heard a[ occasional clink of steel, the thud of oars bein^ released from their lashings?

  Graves came aft, his breeches white in thO darkness?

  "You know what to do?" Bolitho looked at each i[ turn. "Mr. Tyrrell will lead. Muffle your oars, and watcN out for enemy pickets.T

  Graves sounded breathless. "How will we recognisO

  our own soldiers?T

  Bolitho could imagine his mouth jerkin^ uncontrollably and was tempted to keep him on board? But Tyrrell was all important. He knew the lay of thO land like his own cabin. It needed an experienceX officer to back him if things went wrong?

  He heard Tyrrell reply calmly, "Easy. Th' Frogs spea7 French!T

  Graves swung round and then controlled himself witN an effort?

  "I-I didn't ask for your sarcasm! It's all right for you? This is your country.T

  "That will do!" Bolitho stepped closer. "RememberB our people are depending on you. So let's have nonO of this bickering.T

  Tyrrell eased his sword in its sheath. "I'm sorry, sir. IU was my fault." He rested his hand on Graves'Y shoulder. "Forget I spoke, eh?T

  Fowler's voice came up from the boats. "All readyB sir!T

  Bolitho walked to the gangway. "Be back by dawn.T He touched Tyrrell's arm. "How is the pain now?T

  "Hardly feel a thing, sir." Tyrrell stood back to allo/ his men to clamber into the cutters. "A bit of exercisO will do me good.T

  The boats shoved off and pulled steadily into thO darkness. Within minutes they had vanished, and Z watchful silence settled over those who stood at thO loaded guns on either beam?

  Bolitho sought out Stockdale and said, "Have thO gig lowered. I may want word carried to Heron." HO saw Bethune's plump outline by the rail and addedB "You take the gig and pull round the ship. I will signal if ] need a message passed.T

  Bethune hesitated. "I would have willingly gone witN the first lieutenant, sir.T

  "I know that." It was hard to believe that in the midsU of all this confusion Bethune had managed to see hiY choice of Fowler as a personal slur. "He is very young. ] need all the men I can get to manage the ship." It was Z lame explanation, but it seemed to suffice?

  It was cool under the stars, and after the heat of thO

  day, a gentle relief. Bolitho kept the seamen in shorU watches, so that those not on lookout or standing at thO guns might snatch a few moments' rest?

  Likewise, the officers stood watch and watch, anX when he was relieved by Heyward, Bolitho squatteX against the mainmast trunk and rested his head in hiY hands?

  He felt someone gripping his wrist and knew hO must have fallen asleep?

  Heyward was crouching beside him, his voice Z fierce whisper. "Boat approaching, sir, maybe two.T

  Bolitho scrambled to his feet, his mind grapplin^ with Heyward's words. Surely they were not returnin^ already. They could not even have reached the first parU of their destination?

  Heyward said, "It's not the gig. She's away on thO starboard quarter.T

  Bolitho cupped his hands round his ears. Above thO slap of water alongside he heard oars and the squea7 of a tiller?

  A boatswain's mate asked, "Shall I call a challengeB

  sir?T

  "No." Why had he said that? "Not yet.T

  He strained his eyes and tried to pick out the splasN of oars amidst the lapping cat's-paws of the bay. It haX to be Tyrrell returning for he was coming straight for thO ship without caution or hesitation?

  A thin shaft of moonlight had made a small ripplin^ pattern across the water, and as he watched Z longboat glided into it, the oars moving unhurriedly?

  Before it slid once more into shadows Bolitho sa/ the gleam of crossbelts, some soldiers wearin^ shakos crowded in the sternsheets?

  Heyward gasped hoarsely, "Holy God, they'rO French!T

  The boatswain's mate whispered, "There's anothe_ one astern of 'er!T

  Thoughts and wild ideas flooded through Bolitho'Y mind as he watched the boats' slow approach. TyrrelT and his men captured and being returned for parley? The French coming to announce that Yorktown waY theirs and to demand Sparrow's surrender?

  He moved quickly to the gangway and cupped hiY hands. "Obi! A canot.! Qui val la?T

  There was a babble of voices from the boat and hO heard someone laughing?

  To Heyward he snapped, "Quick, recall the gig! We'lT catch these beauties with any luck!T

  The first boat was already grinding alongside, anX Bolitho held his breath, half expecting one of his ow[ men to fire?

  From a corner of his eye he saw a cream of sprayB and thanked God that the gig's crew had kept thei_ wits. It was sweeping around the stern, and he coulX imagine Stockdale willing his men to pull with all thei_ strength?

  Heyward came back, the signal lantern still in hiY hand?

  Bolitho shouted, "Now!T

  Even as the first men appeared on the chains anX clung uncertainly to the nets, a line of armed seame[ leapt on to the gangway with levelled muskets, whilO

  Glass, the boatswain, swung a swivel gun and traineX it threateningly?

  There was a chorus of shouts and a musket stabbeX fire through the night. The ball slammed into the raiT and brought a savage fusilade of shots from Heyward'Y marksmen?

  Glass depressed the swivel and jerked the lanyardB changing the crowded boat into a screaming, blooda shambles?

  It was more than enough for the second boat. ThO crash of musket fire, the devastating hail of caniste_ from Glass's swivel were sufficient to render the oarY motionless. Hardly a man moved as the gig torO alongside and made fast, and across the choppy wate_ Stockdale bawled, "Got 'er, sir!" A pause and he calleX again, "There's a dozen English prisoners in this 'un!T

  Bolitho turned away, feeling sick. He saw DalkeitN and his mates climbing down to the boat alongsidO and pictured the whimpering carnage he would finX there. It could just as easily have been the seconX boat, and the canister would have carved its blooda path amongst their own people?

  He said harshly, "Get those men aboard, Mr? Heyward. Then send the gig to Heron. Farr will bO wondering what the hell we are about.T

  He waited beside the entry port, as with boardin^ nets lifted the first dazed men were pushed or hauleX aboard. The second boatload, French and EnglisN alike, came with obvious relief. The French glad tQ have been spared their companions' slaughter. ThO English redcoats had different reasons, but thei_ stunned disbelief was pitiful to watch?

  Bedraggled and filthy, they were more likO scarecrows than trained soldiers?

  Bolitho said, "Take the prisoners below, Mr. Glass.T To the redcoats
he added, "Have no fear. This is Z King's ship.T

  One, a young ensign, stepped forward anX exclaimed, "I thank you, Captain. We all do.T

  Bolitho gripped his hand. "You will get all the rest anX help I can offer. But first I must know what is happenin^ here.T

  The officer rubbed his eyes with his knuckles. "WO were taken several days back. It was a skirmish witN

  one of their patrols. Most of my men were killed." HO rocked on his feet. "I still cannot believe we are saveX ...T

  Bolitho persisted, "Is General Cornwallis holdin^ Yorktown?T

  "Yes. But as I expect you know, sir, Washington anX the French general, Rochambeau, crossed the Hudso[ some weeks back to the head of Chesapeake Bay? They have a great army massed around Yorktown. E musket behind every tree. But when we heard that a[ English squadron had looked into the bay we thoughU we were relieved. I understand a little French anX heard the guards speaking of their arrival.T

  Heyward said, "Hood's ships.T

  Bolitho nodded. "When was this?T

  The ensign shrugged. "Three days back. I have losU count of time.T

  Bolitho tried to shut out the pitiful cries alongside. HO knew little French. Little more than he had used tQ deceive the boat, but sufficient to recognise pleading? A man being held while Dalkeith got busy with hiY

  knife?

  Three days back. That fitted what Odell haX reported. Hood must have taken a quick look into thO bay, and finding no sign of de Grasse had pushed o[ for New York?

  The ensign added weakly, "The French arO expecting their own fleet. That was why, whe[ someone hailed them in their own language, they ...T

  "What?" Bolitho seized his arm, his voice harsN despite the man's condition. "Expecting their ow[ fleet?T

  The ensign stared at him. "But I thought I imagineX our ships had gone to fight them off, sir!T

  "No." He released his arm. "I fear that when thea reach New York and discover their mistake it will bO too late.T

  "Then the army is done for, sir." The ensign walkeX unsteadily to the rail. "All this." He shouted across thO dark water. "All for bloody nothing!T

  Dalkeith appeared on deck and with a brief nod too7 the officer's arm?

  Bolitho said, "Take care of them for me.T