Read Online Bolitho 19 - Beyond the Reef by Alexander Kent - Free Book Online Page A

man one would never know, really know. But he had been charming to Catherine on that occasion when the Duke of Portland, the prime minister at the time, had attempted to snub her. Standing amidst so many now, he was still quite alone.
    Sillitoe continued, “I would be grateful if you would clarify the difference ‘twixt two seafaring terms which have been mentioned several times already.” He looked directly at Bolitho and gave the briefest of smiles. Bolitho could imagine him doing the very same while peering along the barrel of a duelling pistol.
    Sillitoe went on silkily, “One witness will describe the convoy’s possible tactics as being ‘scattered,’ and another will term it ‘dispersed. ‘ I am all confusion.”
    Bolitho thought his tone suggested otherwise, and could not help wondering if Sillitoe had interrupted the Judge Advocate for a different purpose.
    The latter said patiently, “If it pleases, Sir Paul. To scatter a convoy means that each ship’s master can go his own way, that is to say, move out from the centre like the spokes of a wheel. To disperse would mean to leave each master to sail as he pleases, but all to the original destination. Is that clear, Sir Paul?”
    “One further question, if you will bear with me, sir. The ships’ masters who have claimed they could have outsailed the enemy ships—were they all requesting the order to disperse?”
    Cotgrave glanced questioningly at the President and then replied, “They did, Sir Paul.”
    Sillitoe bowed elegantly. “Thank you.”
    Hamett-Parker snapped, “Then if that is all, gentlemen, this hearing is adjourned for refreshments.” He stalked out, followed by the other members of his court.
    “You may dismiss, Commander Tyacke.”
    Tyacke waited until most of those in the cabin had bustled away and Herrick had left with his escort. Then he shook Bolitho’s hand and said quietly, “I hoped we would meet soon, Sir Richard.” He glanced at the deserted table where the sword was still shining in the April sunlight. “But not like this.”
    Together they made their way out to the broad quarterdeck, where many of the visitors had broken into small groups to discuss the trial so far, all to the obvious irritation of watchkeepers and working seamen alike.
    “Is everything well with you?” Bolitho stood beside him to stare at a graceful schooner tacking past; he guessed Tyacke was comparing her with his lost Miranda.
    “I should have written to you, Sir Richard, after all that you did for me.” He gave a great sigh. “I have been appointed to the new anti-slavery patrol. We sail for the African coast shortly. Most of my men are volunteers—more to escape from the fleet than out of any moral convictions!” His eyes crinkled in a grin. “I never thought they’d get it through Parliament after all these years.”
    Bolitho could agree with him. England had been at war with France almost continuously for fifteen years, and all the while the slave traffic had gone on without hindrance: a brutal trade in human beings which ended in death from the lash as often as from fever.
    And yet, there were many who had voted against its abolition, describing the traders and plantation owners in the Caribbean as loyal servants of the Crown, men ready to defend their rights against the enemy. Supporters usually added the extra bait for their cause, that a plentiful supply of slaves would continue to mean cheaper sugar for the world’s market, as well as releasing other men for active duty at sea or in the army.
    This new patrol might suit Tyacke very well, he thought. The private man with a small company which he could educate to his own standards.
    Tyacke said, “I fear I did little good for Rear-Admiral Herrick’s cause just now, Sir Richard.”
    Bolitho replied, “It was the truth.”
    “Will he win the day, do you think, sir?”
    “We must.” He wondered afterwards if Tyacke had noticed that he had not said he.
    Tyacke remarked, “Ah, here