by Griff Hosker
I shook my head, “I can do so but this soldier was wounded last week and he can’t use his left arm.”
“Not a problem me old cocker.” He was a barrel of a man. He turned to Sharp. “Jump on me back and hold on with your good arm. I promise I won’t drop you.”
Sharp did as he was bid and the seaman clambered up the rope as easily as I might walk down the street. I felt a fool as I struggled up with no body on my back to slow me down.
Lieutenant Teer greeted me as I struggled over the side. “Good to see you.”
“And you.” I gestured at the ‘Mathilde’. “Any chance you could let him go. We would not have escaped otherwise.”
“It’s a nice little prize but we can always catch him again.” He leaned over the side. He spoke in French. “Captain, I will let you go this time but the next time I catch you then I will have your little boat.”
I saw the relief on Jean’s face and he grinned up, “If you catch me sir, you deserve to have my boat. Farewell Englishmen!”
“And now let’s get below deck and you can tell me your tale.”
Chapter 13
Once we were under way I finally relaxed. Sharp and I grinned at each other. When I had heard the French voice I thought we had been captured by the enemy. Lieutenant Teer had an excellent accent.
He entered the cabin, “I am sorry about last night. A damned frigate was snooping around. I didn’t want you caught as well so I slipped away and hoped I could return later. The damned ship kept chasing every which way.… Sorry.”
“Do not worry yourself Jonathan. We were delayed because Trooper Sharp was wounded within a day or so of our arrival. We have spent much of the time hiding out.”
He looked disappointed. “Then you did not discover much about the invasion.”
“Oh yes, we know all that. There are huge camps at three places close to the coast and the harbours are filled with barges which the blockading ships cannot see as they have no masts.”
“Then I shall have to get you back as soon as possible. I just went to Dover and sent a message from there. Colonel Selkirk thinks you are lost.”
The winds were in our favour and we fairly flew across the waves. By dawn we were sailing up the Thames. “I will land you close to Horse Guards and give you an escort. Would never forgive myself if you were to fall foul of some felon in London.”
When we landed at the wharf on the Thames the bosun and four of the toughest seamen I have ever seen took us directly to Horse Guards. I wondered if the people who started at us thought that we had been pressed. It must have looked a strange sight. When we saw the red coated sentry the bosun knuckled his head and said, “Here you are sir. I must say, for a soldier, you are a rum ‘un.”
I suspect it was a compliment but I had no time to find out for the bosun about turned his men and strode back towards the river. I had a feeling that Lieutenant Teer was going back to try to capture Captain Jean.
The guards gave us curious looks at the main door and I had to explain that we were both soldiers. Even then the duty officer appeared unwilling to admit us until I mentioned Colonel Selkirk’s name.
“Ah, you are a couple of them. Let them through, private.”
I never discovered exactly what the officer meant by a couple of them although I suspect it was nothing complimentary. We knocked on the door and a tired voice grumbled, “Enter!”
The colonel’s head was buried in some papers and he did not look up as he snapped, “Well, damn it, what is it?”
I said, quietly, “We thought we had better report sir.”
His face was a picture as he stared at us and then he laughed and banged the desk. “I thought you were dead or captured. But you are here!” He opened a cupboard and pulled out a bottle of whisky and three glasses. He poured a healthy measure and said, “Here’s to you! You are a sight for sore eyes.”
We swallowed the fiery liquid and he waved us into the two seats which were there. He leaned forwards, “Well then, did you find out what I needed to know?”
I nodded and handed him the report. “Save my old eyes and give me the gist of it. Is Boney coming?”
“The bad news is that he is and he has three huge camps at Boulogne, Bruges and Montreuil. We didn’t manage to see them all but I estimate that there could be over two hundred thousand men in Northern France at the moment. He has barges in the harbours all ready to bring them.”
The colonel’s shoulders sagged, “Is there any good news?”
I nodded cheerfully, “He cannot invade so long as you blockade the coast and keep ships outside the harbours.”
“Well that is a relief. Admiral Nelson is more than a match for any two of their admirals.” He poured us another whisky. “How did you manage to miss all the rendezvous and why did it take you so long?”
“That would be my fault sir. We discovered that Bonaparte also has a tunnel he is building. That will take years but he also had plans to use balloons to transport men and they would have been able to avoid the navy.”
He laughed, “Well that is more fanciful than the tunnel idea.”
“No sir. He had three balloons ready to try out and I believe they would have worked.”
He sat up, suddenly serious, “You say ‘had’ as though he no longer does.”
“We destroyed them and the workshop where they are being built but Trooper Sharp was wounded during our escape and we had to lie low in France until he healed.”
Colonel Selkirk looked at each of us in turn. “It was a damned stupid thing to do Robbie but I am damned glad that you did.” He scribbled on a piece of paper, signed it and sealed it. “I cannot acknowledge what you did for England, Trooper Sharp, but I can promote you to sergeant. You might as well get paid more for risking your life following this lunatic around Europe.”
He came around the desk and handed the letter to Sharp who said, “Thank you sir I…”
“It’s nothing. It isn’t like I will be paying you the money now is it?” He sat and sipped his whisky again, “Just as a matter of interest were there any guards at this workshop?”
“Yes sir. A company of engineers.”
“And you two sabotaged their efforts and escaped from them?”
“It would appear so.”
He shook his head, “Too modest by far. You two better get back to your barracks then. Take the mail coach.” He took a document from a small pile and signed it. “Here is a travel warrant.”
“But sir, our uniforms.”
“Of course. I’ll tell you what, let us go to my town house and you can stay the night. I daresay you need the sleep and I would like to hear in detail just what went on. Let us go to my house now. I will need to change if I am to report to the Prime Minister and the powers that be.”
As we walked through the streets to Colonel Selkirk’s house he smiled wryly. “Perhaps a bath might be in order as well gentlemen. You smell of horses and… well let us say that a farmyard springs to mind.”
“Believe me, colonel, we both desire to be clean again, more than anything. It has been a hard few weeks days.”
The old colonel’s eyes looked sad and careworn as he looked at me, “You have done well, Robbie, and I do appreciate your efforts. I have sent many young men like you but you are the only one who consistently delivers. Hopefully you will now have time to recover.”
“I think you said that before sir.”
He laughed, “I did, didn’t I? Well this time I will try to keep my word.”
The colonel had two baths run. I soaked in mine for a good hour until a servant came along and asked me if I was all right. When I dressed and shaved I felt much better. I had decided to keep my moustache. Although Monique had shaved it off it was growing again. I had missed having one and I could see no reason not to. Sharp had shaved too. The effect was to highlight the scar which was still red and angry. When the colonel saw it he commented, “It will soon fade and become just a thin white line.” He pointed to the side of his face. “There is a fai
nt one there. It has moved and become thinner over the years so that you can barely see it unless you know where to look.”
We relaxed for the afternoon and napped. When the colonel returned he clapped me on the back. “Well done young Robbie. The news was a good kick up the backside for the politicians. Your news had the same effect as putting a stick into a wasp’s nest. They thought that Bonaparte meant what he said about peace. They have learned the truth at last. And now let me change and then we will eat. You can regale me with your stories.”
The next day we left his house together. As we stepped outside an ensign gave him an officially sealed document. The colonel read it and he frowned. “I have to change my plans today. Damned armchair generals. Why can’t they let soldiers just do their job without interference.” He folded the letter and put it in his pocket. “Take care. I know I need not remind you that you cannot speak of what you have discovered. When the French do not invade no one will know that it was your courage and your effort which enabled it to happen. That is the way of our world.”
We were lucky in that there was no-one else in the mail coach which hurtled us back to Kent. It enabled us to talk and discuss what had happened.
“You now know the dangers of what we do and if you do not wish to accompany me again I will understand.”
“No sir, I do not mind but I must ask one thing. Now that I am a sergeant, I can still be your servant can’t I?”
“Of course but I thought that you would want to be in command of men.”
“I would rather be your servant sir. If I can’t be then I will refuse the promotion.”
“That will not be necessary. If you wish to be my servant still then that is fine by me.”
The journey flew by but we both nodded off and the driver had to wake us when we arrived in Canterbury. We still had money left from the trip and we went to the tailors. I had learned that a handmade uniform lasted longer than the ones issued by the Quartermaster “You might as well have your sergeant’s uniform made up as soon as possible.”
Carruthers and Co was an old established tailoring firm. They prided themselves on quality and speed. They were not cheap. That was not a problem. It was Mr Carruthers the elder who took our order. He was a tiny precise man who constantly smiled as he measured and scribbled on the tiniest piece of paper I have ever seen. I could barely make out that they were figures. How he would translate them later I had no idea.
“If you gentlemen would give me an hour then your new uniform will be ready, sergeant.”
We wandered the busy streets of Canterbury. There were many fine inns and taverns. We found one, ‘The George’ and took a small dining room to the side where we could eat in private. I did not relish the thought of bumping into some of our comrades before we had had a chance to report to the colonel and the major. The waiter took our order and we sat in silence. We had been together for such a long time that a conversation was unnecessary. I knew that Sharp would be reflecting, as I was, on the fragile nature of our existence. There were many times we could have ended up dead but we had survived and that was reassuring.
“Have you ever noticed sir, how many inns and taverns are called George? I wonder why that is sir?”
“I suspect it is because our kings for the past few years have all been George. As soon as we get a new king then the names will change.” We drank the ale the waiter had brought.
Suddenly I heard voices from the next room. The walls were little more than plaster and our silence afforded us the opportunity to listen to another conversation. Normally we would not have done so but I recognised Lieutenant DeVere’s voice.
“I have told you before, Ramsden, there is no risk to you. All you need to do is put the items in the captain’s room and we will do the rest. My brother has promised you that he will see that you are promoted.”
“But sir, Mr Austen is a good officer and the lads all like him. If they find out what I have done then I will not be able to stay in the regiment.”
“Nonsense! I have it on good authority that my brother will soon be promoted to become Major DeVere and then he will get rid of any troublemakers who do not toe the line. Besides now that Matthews is dead it is us who control the regiment.” There was silence. I looked at Sharp who was also listening. DeVere’s voice became more threatening. “Let me put it another way, Ramsden, if you do not comply then it will be you who is leaving the regiment. I am sure that my brother and I can find some dirt to ruin your career. You have a simple choice to make; join the winning side or lose everything that you have.”
The conversation ended and I heard the sound of disappearing footsteps clattering on the stone floor. I peered out of the door and saw the two soldiers disappearing. Sharp spoke first, “That was Trooper Ramsden sir. He is Captain Austen’s servant.”
“Then we must get back before the deed can be done.” Our food arrived. We did not do the fine fare justice for we wolfed it down as though it was iron rations. We paid our bill quickly and left. The tailor had just finished the uniform. We paid for the clothes and we hurried the mile or so to the barracks.
As we passed through the guard house I asked, “Has Trooper Ramsden returned yet?”
The trooper looked surprised, “I thought you were dead sir. Both of you.”
“Well we are not! Now answer the question!”
I raised my voice more than I normally do and the trooper shrank a little. “Sorry sir, yes sir. Just five minutes ago. Him and Lieutenant DeVere.”
I smiled, “Thank you.” As a sort of apology I said, “Long journey.”
He smiled back, “No problem sir. It is a long way back from the dead isn’t it?”
As we hurried along I said to Sharp, “Get to Captain Austen’s rooms and do not let Ramsden enter.” I nodded at his new uniform. “Use your new stripes if you have to!”
“Yes sir!”
I went directly to the Headquarters Building. Neither the colonel nor the major were there but Sergeant Major Jones was. He just nodded, “I knew you weren’t dead sir. Welcome back.”
“We will have the pleasantries later.” I closed the door. “I just overheard Lieutenant DeVere threatening Trooper Ramsden. He wanted him to plant some things in Captain Austen’s room.”
I saw his face darken. “That explains a lot sir. Many of the officers have had things stolen over the last week or so. It seemed that the only person who could have done it was either an officer or an officer’s servant. The DeVere brothers were making a little too much of it.”
“Where are the colonel and the major?”
“In London; they were ordered to present themselves at Horse Guards.” I saw a thought dawn upon him. “Captain Austen is with him.”
“Then come with me and we will deal with this matter ourselves.”
When we reached the officer’s quarters I saw Sharp standing in front of Percy’s door. He gave a slight shake of the head. “Ramsden has not done the deed yet.” I nodded to Sergeant Sharp, “You stay here. Come with me Sergeant Major.”
We reached Ramsden’s room. The door was slightly ajar and there were voices within. I nodded to the Sergeant Major who threw open the door. I stood just behind him. There we saw Lieutenant DeVere taking objects from a bag and handing them to Ramsden. As soon as he saw us his eyes widened in panic.
“Thank goodness you have come, Sergeant Major. I have just discovered the thief. It is Captain Austen’s servant. I think the two of them must have been in collusion.”
I stepped out from behind the huge Sergeant Major. “I think not Lieutenant. You are the one handing the objects to the trooper.”
“No, you misunderstand… “
“Trooper Ramsden did you hand the objects to the Lieutenant?”
He looked relieved, “No sir.”
“Did you or Captain Austen take those objects from their rightful owners?”
“No sir.”
“Well lieutenant? We are waiting for an explanation.”
His face darkened and he
spat out, “You cannot believe an enlisted man over an officer.” We remained icily silent. “It makes no difference. My brother will soon be in command of this regiment…”
“However until that dark day dawns he is not. Sergeant Major Jones place Lieutenant DeVere under close arrest and those stolen items in the regimental strongbox.”
“With pleasure. Guard!”
“You can’t do this.” DeVere tried to barge his way out of the room. Sergeant Major Jones grabbed his arm.
“Take your hand off me you big ape!”
Sergeant Major Jones leaned forward and said very quietly, “Sir, if you don’t stop wriggling I will break your arm. Now hand me your sword and try to behave like a gentleman.”
His shoulders slumped and he gave his sword to me. The two guards appeared at the door. I pointed down the corridor, “Take the lieutenant to his room. He is not to leave it and not to have visitors.”
The two guards looked at each other. “Not even Captain DeVere?”
Sergeant Major Jones roar almost made them recoil in fear, “You heard the officer. No-one!”
After they had left I turned to Ramsden. “I want you to go with the Sergeant Major and write out what the lieutenant asked you to do.” I paused, “I was in ‘The George’ and heard it all. Leave nothing out and you will be safe.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Wait for me in office, boy.” After he had gone he said. “Captain DeVere will not like this you know sir.”
“I know. When will the colonel be back?”
“This evening.”
“Then we weather the storm until then. If you get Sergeant Sharp to write his own statement out it will help.”
He looked surprised, “Sergeant Sharp?”
“Yes, Colonel Selkirk promoted him but he still wishes to be my servant.”
He nodded, “It is good to have you back sir.”
I went to my rooms and deposited my bag. I headed for the mess. There was no point in hiding away. If Captain DeVere wanted to cause trouble then I was ready.