Read Online Relentless Pursuit by Alexander Kent - Free Book Online Page B

ship. The son of a post-captain, grandson of a vice-admiral. He thought of Napier. At least Hawkins would have no doubts about his future.
    He stared at his goblet, but could not recall when it had last been filled. It would soon be time to make his excuses and leave. Galbraith would go on deck and check the watchkeepers, wind and weather, and that would give the others a chance to speak out, to discuss what they chose without fear of crossing that forbidden bridge, the chain of command.
    â€œMay I ask you something, sir?”
    It was Varlo, who had been silent, almost detached, for most of the evening.
    He kept a good watch, and had never failed to request permission to reef or shorten sail if he considered it necessary. Some lieutenants would rather tear the sticks out of a ship than disturb their captain, for fear of showing a lack of ability or confidence. And yet . . .
    He said, “Fire away, Mr Varlo.”
    Varlo leaned forward, his neat hair glossy in the lantern light.
    â€œSlavery is illegal, sir. Most of the world powers are agreed on it. I read in the Gazette that even the Portuguese have accepted that the Equator shall be the boundary line of the trade.” He glanced along the table, one hand in the air. “But how can we enforce such a ruling? We shall have fewer ships, and less senior officers with the authority and experience to carry out anything so widespread.”
    Adam said, “That is what we must discover—the purpose of this mission, as I see it.”
    Varlo smiled, quickly. “Many people in England do not agree with the ruling, sir. They were and still are against the Bill as it went through Parliament . . .”
    Captain Luxmore leaned forward and slopped some wine down his sleeve. Fortunately, it matched the scarlet well.
    â€œNo more speeches, George! Leave that to the damned politicians!”
    Adam said, “I take your point, Mr Varlo. Some people do not understand. Others perhaps see slavery as the only way to work and produce from those lands for which we are responsible. It is an old argument, but loses its strength when set against the act of enslavement itself.”
    Galbraith said, “I have heard it said that Negroes are far better off working in a Christian country than being left in their native barbarism.” His face was troubled. “But it will be hard to contain, no matter what the true rights and wrongs of it.”
    Varlo nodded, satisfied. “An enormous task, as I have said. And a proportionate responsibility for any captain.”
    He stopped, his hand still in mid-air as Adam brought his knife down on the table.
    â€œWe have a proud ship, Mr Varlo.” He looked along the table. This was not as he had intended it to be. “And now, thanks to all your efforts, we have men to serve her. It can be said that conditions in the navy have at times been little better than slavery.” He glanced at his goblet. It was empty. But he could not stop now. “Things will be different, eventually. A man becomes a sailor for all sorts of reasons. Because he is hungry and unemployed, or unemployable. He may be on the wrong side of the law.” He saw Cristie nod. “He may even be driven by dreams of glory. Our company is probably no better and no worse than any you have known, but it will be up to us to mould them into something of true value. To serve this ship. ”
    Varlo smiled. “Thank you, sir.”
    Adam held his hand over the goblet as a messman hovered beside him. It was time. Varlo, by design or accident, had made his point. Few people today cared about the rights and wrongs of slavery. It was a fact of life. So long as they were not ill treated. He had heard James Tyacke on the subject. He was back on antislavery patrol duty, where it had all started for him. Where he had first met Richard Bolitho, and his life had been changed. He could hear him now. He gave me back my pride. My will to live. Another face. Another