Read Online Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War by Alexander Kent - Free Book Online
Authors: Alexander Kent
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Miranda's captain had been able to pass o[ the decision to him?
In a calmer tone Colquhoun continued, "It has bee[ reported that the French have been preparing ships fo_ months. From Toulon a whole squadron set sail weekY ago and slipped through the Gibraltar patrols withouU so much as a squeak of news getting out." He lookeX at each of them in turn. "They could be on their waa here, to the American coast, anywhere, for all we knowB damn their eyes!T
The Fawn had swung slightly in the slow processio[ of troughs, and through the swaying windows BolithQ could see the two transports, huge and ungainly, thei_ yards askew as they awaited the next signal. EacN transport was filled to the deck seams with mucN needed supplies for the army in Philadelphia. In thO wrong hands they would represent a tremendous prizeB and the realisation must be foremost in Colquhoun'Y mind?
Colquhoun said, "Miranda has agreed to stand ba the convoy until we contact the inshore squadron. BuU in this damned weather it might take weeks.T
Bolitho imagined Colquhoun was picturing thO distance like a mental chart. All those miles, with thO knowledge that he must eventually make the lon^ passage back to Antigua to resume control of his smalT force?
Maulby drawled, "May I suggest that I continue witN the transports, sir? With Miranda in company we wilT be safe enough." He glanced at Bolitho. "You coulX then return in Sparrow to English Harbour, pass thO news to the admiral and prepare our own ships fo_ further work.T
Colquhoun stared at him, his eyes unseeing?
"God damn the complacency of our preciouY Government! For years this has been brewing, anX while the French have been building new ships, ourY have been allowed to go rotten for want of money. If thO Channel Fleet were to be ordered to sea tomorrow ] doubt that more than twenty sail of the line would bO capable!" He saw their surprise and noddeX vehemently. "Oh yes, gentlemen, while you have bee[ out here imagining that all would be ready if once thO call came, I have been made to stay silent and watch iU happening." He struck the table with his fist. "SomO flag officers are too concerned with political power anX gracious living to care for the wants of the fleet!T
He sat down heavily. "I must decide ...T
The door opened slightly and a frightened-lookin^ midshipman said, "From Miranda, sir. She requestY instructions ..." He got no further?
"Tell him to mind his manners!" Colquhoun glared aU him hotly. "It is my decision!T
Bolitho glanced at Maulby. For the first time in his lifO he was beginning to realise the meaning of command?
Whatever Colquhoun decided could be equally right o_ wrong. Bolitho had learned one thing well. If you madO a right decision, others often received the credit. BuU make a wrong one and you were in no doubt where thO blame would he?
Colquhoun said suddenly, "Send for your clerkB Maulby. I will dictate new orders for . . ." he looked aU Bolitho, "for Sparrow.T
He seemed to be speaking his thoughts aloud. "I dQ not doubt your ability, Bolitho, but you lack experience. ] will need Maulby's Fawn with me until I know what is tQ happen next." He gestured to the table as the ship'Y clerk entered the cabin. "You must remain with thO transports. Miranda's captain will give you guidanceB and you will obey him to the best of your skill. You_ orders will allow you to return to the flotilla when thO transports have been delivered." He paused anX added softly, "Delivered.T
Bolitho rose to his feet. "Aye, sir.T
"Now get out and leave me to draft these orders.T
Maulby took Bolitho's elbow and guided him towardY the gun deck?
"I think the little admiral is worried, my friend." HO sighed. "I was hoping to rid my ship of his presencO and pass him on to you." He turned and gave a quic7 grin. "There is no justice in this world!T
Bolitho, saw his gig falling and rising in the swellB Stockdale shading his eyes as he watched the slooS for a recall?
He said, "The news is bad, but not
In a calmer tone Colquhoun continued, "It has bee[ reported that the French have been preparing ships fo_ months. From Toulon a whole squadron set sail weekY ago and slipped through the Gibraltar patrols withouU so much as a squeak of news getting out." He lookeX at each of them in turn. "They could be on their waa here, to the American coast, anywhere, for all we knowB damn their eyes!T
The Fawn had swung slightly in the slow processio[ of troughs, and through the swaying windows BolithQ could see the two transports, huge and ungainly, thei_ yards askew as they awaited the next signal. EacN transport was filled to the deck seams with mucN needed supplies for the army in Philadelphia. In thO wrong hands they would represent a tremendous prizeB and the realisation must be foremost in Colquhoun'Y mind?
Colquhoun said, "Miranda has agreed to stand ba the convoy until we contact the inshore squadron. BuU in this damned weather it might take weeks.T
Bolitho imagined Colquhoun was picturing thO distance like a mental chart. All those miles, with thO knowledge that he must eventually make the lon^ passage back to Antigua to resume control of his smalT force?
Maulby drawled, "May I suggest that I continue witN the transports, sir? With Miranda in company we wilT be safe enough." He glanced at Bolitho. "You coulX then return in Sparrow to English Harbour, pass thO news to the admiral and prepare our own ships fo_ further work.T
Colquhoun stared at him, his eyes unseeing?
"God damn the complacency of our preciouY Government! For years this has been brewing, anX while the French have been building new ships, ourY have been allowed to go rotten for want of money. If thO Channel Fleet were to be ordered to sea tomorrow ] doubt that more than twenty sail of the line would bO capable!" He saw their surprise and noddeX vehemently. "Oh yes, gentlemen, while you have bee[ out here imagining that all would be ready if once thO call came, I have been made to stay silent and watch iU happening." He struck the table with his fist. "SomO flag officers are too concerned with political power anX gracious living to care for the wants of the fleet!T
He sat down heavily. "I must decide ...T
The door opened slightly and a frightened-lookin^ midshipman said, "From Miranda, sir. She requestY instructions ..." He got no further?
"Tell him to mind his manners!" Colquhoun glared aU him hotly. "It is my decision!T
Bolitho glanced at Maulby. For the first time in his lifO he was beginning to realise the meaning of command?
Whatever Colquhoun decided could be equally right o_ wrong. Bolitho had learned one thing well. If you madO a right decision, others often received the credit. BuU make a wrong one and you were in no doubt where thO blame would he?
Colquhoun said suddenly, "Send for your clerkB Maulby. I will dictate new orders for . . ." he looked aU Bolitho, "for Sparrow.T
He seemed to be speaking his thoughts aloud. "I dQ not doubt your ability, Bolitho, but you lack experience. ] will need Maulby's Fawn with me until I know what is tQ happen next." He gestured to the table as the ship'Y clerk entered the cabin. "You must remain with thO transports. Miranda's captain will give you guidanceB and you will obey him to the best of your skill. You_ orders will allow you to return to the flotilla when thO transports have been delivered." He paused anX added softly, "Delivered.T
Bolitho rose to his feet. "Aye, sir.T
"Now get out and leave me to draft these orders.T
Maulby took Bolitho's elbow and guided him towardY the gun deck?
"I think the little admiral is worried, my friend." HO sighed. "I was hoping to rid my ship of his presencO and pass him on to you." He turned and gave a quic7 grin. "There is no justice in this world!T
Bolitho, saw his gig falling and rising in the swellB Stockdale shading his eyes as he watched the slooS for a recall?
He said, "The news is bad, but not
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