Read Online Devil to Pay by Parkinson C. Northcote - Free Book Online

share of ill-luck, Mr Delancey, but it is my belief that you will have a successful career in the service. I wish you better luck in your next ship.”
    D’Auvergne signed the letter before him and called Bassett in to seal it. Delancey saw that D’Auvergne had turned his attention to the next problem, a report which had just come in, and would soon have forgotten his existence. Having pocketed his testimonial, Delancey made his bow and withdrew. Bassett came with him to the quayside and to the
Cormorant
’s boat which was waiting for him. “Good luck!” said Bassett and the coxswain pushed off.
    As the gig pulled away from the stairs and headed seawards, its course led near the southern pier head where there were the usual idlers to be expected there on a fine morning. Apart from the longshoremen stood a small group of ladies out for a stroll and with them Delancey glimpsed the scarlet of military uniforms. As the gig drew nearer he recognized Captain Hilliard and Mr Huntley. An instant later they recognized him and turned to each other with openly expressed amusement. They were too distant for Delancey to hear anything that was said but their gestures were plain. He was seen to be running away! The story would be round St Peter Port by midday, round the island by the evening and would have reached Jersey and the mainland within the next two or three days. Technically he had received no other challenge but gossip would have it that he had refused to fight. There was only one remedy. He must go ashore again and appear publicly at the Golden Lion. His best plan would be to invite Captain Bastable to dine with him before the ship sailed. The thought of the probable sequel made him feel slightly sick but no other course was possible. This time it would have to be pistols. . . .
    Delancey was greeted at the gangway by Saunders who said, “Welcome aboard.” Determined, however, to do the right thing before his courage failed him, Delancey asked at once to see Captain Bastable. He was shown below and Bastable greeted him kindly. Delancey asked at once for a boat to take him ashore. He had one or two calls to make, a debt to pay, his laundry to collect.
    â€œUnfortunately, Mr Delancey, I have strict orders that you are to remain on board until we sail.”
    â€œBut I have business ashore, sir, and hoped indeed that you would do me the honour of dining with me.”
    â€œYou can send a midshipman to attend to your business in St Peter Port and I will put the gig at his disposal. As for your kind invitation, I am not free to accept it. For me to go ashore with you would conflict with the orders I have received.”
    â€œBut I am sure, sir, that Captain D’Auvergne would condone a slight departure from the letter of his orders. He would understand a case of necessity.”
    â€œHe would understand perfectly. In case of your offering to disobey my order I am to put you under close arrest. Is that sufficiently clear? I hope you will spare me the trouble and embarrassment.”
    â€œAye, aye, sir.”
    â€œHave I your word, then, that you will not attempt to go ashore?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œWith that point settled it is now my privilege to invite you to dine with me on board this ship. The fare may not be quite equal to what we might have had at the Golden Lion but it will be better than I could offer you after three months at sea.”
    â€œWith pleasure, sir.”
    The dinner was excellent and Bastable took the opportunity to drink the health of his guest. “To a notable swordsman!” Delancey bowed but protested that the toast should have been, “To a barely acceptable fencing instructor.” There was no other reference to the morning’s affair and the party ended on a very friendly note.
    The ship sailed soon afterwards and Delancey admired the way in which the trick was done. At one instant the sloop was at anchor, an instant later she was