Read Online Inshore Squadron by Alexander Kent - Free Book Online Page B

just remarked. The French have made a clever move. What better way of turning the Tsar and his friends finally against us? We and not the French are now between him and his precious Knights of Malta.”
    Browne said, “That sums it up, sir.”
    â€œObviously, Sir Samuel Damerum knew nothing of this. Because of bad weather the news has moved slowly.”
    Veitch cleared his throat. “But you have the letter, sir.”
    Bolitho smiled gravely. “I have indeed, thanks to you.”
    â€œWill you act on it, sir?” Browne watched him impassively.
    Bolitho walked to the windows and stared at the anchored ships.
    â€œThere is no one else here. I think the sooner we act the better.”
    Herrick said, “It’s all getting beyond me, sir.”
    Bolitho came to a series of decisions. It would all probably be too late, couriers could have reached Copenhagen overland if necessary. But if not, he would get no thanks from the Admiralty for dragging his feet.
    â€œSend for my clerk. I’ll make out orders for the brig. Commander Veitch, you may select a prize-crew for her. I want her to go with all speed to Great Yarmouth. Choose an intelligent prize-master, for I’ll need him to take my despatches by the fastest means to London.” He looked at Herrick. “I will shift my flag to Styx. Signal her accordingly.” He saw all the arguments, the protests building up on Herrick’s round face and added quietly, “I’d not ask you to take Benbow under the batteries of Elsinore, Thomas, if we are already at war! And if we are still at peace, a frigate will present a less threatening image.”
    His clerk, Yovell, was already in the cabin, opening up his little writing desk which he kept available for such occasions.
    Bolitho looked at Veitch. “You will take over Styx ’s duties for the present.”
    From a corner of his eye he saw Yovell preparing his pens and ink ready to write new orders for the brig, a report for the Admiralty, a sentence of death, too, if that was asked of him.
    To Herrick he said, “You will command the squadron until I return. If I am longer than a week without sending word, you will act accordingly.”
    Herrick saw he was beaten. “And when will you leave?”
    â€œI hope to be aboard Styx and under way before we lose the light.”
    After Herrick and Veitch had left to carry out his instructions, Bolitho asked the lieutenant, “Do you think I am acting unwisely?” He saw Browne’s rare uncertainty and added, “Come on, man, you should know me better after more than a week at sea together. I’ll not bite off your head if I disagree with what you say. But I may not heed it either.”
    Browne shrugged. “In a way I share the flag captain’s apprehension, sir. I know your background, and I have read of many of your past exploits with admiration.” He looked Bolitho straight in the eyes. “Like Captain Herrick, I see you as a fighting sailor, not as a diplomat.”
    Bolitho recalled his visit to Damerum’s flagship. He had thought it strange then that Damerum had not taken the initiative himself. He was a senior flag officer and well respected. Most such men would have expected it, demanded it in many cases.
    Browne added quietly, “But you are left with little room for manoeuvre now, sir. I would merely suggest, from my own experience with Admiral Beauchamp, that you tread warily. A victor is one thing, but a scapegoat is often more easily discovered.”
    Herrick came back rubbing his hands. He looked cold.
    â€œ Styx has acknowledged our signal, sir. May I suggest you take some extra hands with you?” He grinned ruefully. “I know there’s no point in me protesting any more, so I took the liberty of telling Mr Wolfe to detail thirty seamen and a couple of junior officers. One lieutenant, and I thought a midshipman for messages and so forth.”
    Bolitho nodded.