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his commission and, more pressingly, his hotel.
    ‘I have advanced money to those members of the Centurion ’s crew who have requested it, but I am obliged to do so at a discount which reflects the burden I have to carry in advancing sums for which I have no sure date for redemption.’
    ‘Offset, no doubt, by the interest you will earn.’
    Davidson was quite sharp then. ‘You will have seen, while waiting, that I carry substantial overheads which must be met somehow.’
    ‘How much would I be due in those circumstances?’
    Davidson reached behind him for a large and weightyledger, thumped it onto the table, and smiled at Pearce before opening it. Running his finger down a column of figures his brow furrowed. He went to another and did the same until he eventually stopped.
    ‘Pearce, you say?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘I’m afraid I have you listed as a landsman, Mr Pearce, scarcely credible given the uniform you are wearing.’
    The reply carried all the tension Pearce felt. ‘Captain Colbourne rated me a midshipman.’
    ‘Not apparently in the last muster book he sent in, from which I take my figures. Do you have anything in writing to that effect?’
    ‘No.’
    ‘And it is to be assumed that the last books went down with the ship?’ As Pearce nodded, he tapped the ledger. ‘Then, unless you can produce some proof I cannot do other than take from this. Mr Colbourne can, of course, change it, with the consent of the other party.’ Seeing the look of Pearce’s face he added, ‘I can write to him asking for clarification.’
    Pearce was thinking hard, sure that the last submission of Griffin ’s muster book had been after his elevation, because Colbourne had been adamant he would not get any pay for a rank that officially carried none. In fact, it only mattered in the issue of prize money. Their relationship had been far from good, in truth at times it had been downright hostile. Had the man merely not bothered, or had he humbugged him, as he had done more than once before?
    ‘Would it be possible to draw what am I owed and still seek the rest once my rank has been established?’
    Davidson nodded again. ‘It is not a sum to excite, I must say, but we are dealing with the crews of two vessels, and I must say your Griffin was heavily manned for her size.’
    ‘A figure, if you please, sir?’
    Davidson shuffled some papers in a drawer, finally producing a sheaf to be studied.
    ‘The whole prize is valued at just over twenty-three thousand pounds, and a landsman’s share comes in at just above twenty guineas. I could advance you the sum of sixteen pounds with safety.’
    ‘Can I ask what Captain Marchand will receive?’
    Davidson had the good grace to look slightly uncomfortable. He was a man unaccustomed to having in his office those on the lowest rung of the prize fund ladder, the common seamen, and was therefore unused to trying to explain a system so manifestly unfair.
    ‘It is a sum you can calculate for yourself, Lieutenant. Should his case be found to be correct, and given he was sailing under Admiralty orders with no commanding officer to share his good fortune, he will receive over eight thousand pounds, less of course, his legal fees and my commissions. If Mr Colbourne is successful in his suit that will be halved.’
    ‘I have heard sailors curse the system of distribution of prize money. Now I know them to be right in their condemnation.’
    ‘There are many sailors, sir, but only one captain.’
    ‘Have any of the Griffins applied for advance payment?’
    Davidson looked down at the ledger to check. ‘Not a one, and nor has Mr Colbourne applied on their behalf.’
    Hardly surprising, Pearce thought. The poor sods are trapped on another ship, and I doubt Colbourne cares two hoots about them.
    ‘What you offer is not enough to meet my needs.’
    ‘Then, sir,’ Davidson replied gravely, ‘you must act as do other naval officers and pledge your pay as credit. Those who supply the Navy are