Read Online Their Lordships Request: A Harry Heron Adventure by Patrick G. Cox - Free Book Online Page B

hat at midday! As a result he needs lotion for the burn to his face and his eyes are affected too. Have they no sense at all? "
     
                  " You cannot blame them entirely, Mr Spenser, " Thomas Bell remarked, " Many have not enjoyed such warmth or sunshine in their lives thus far. "
     
                  " Aye, I ' ll grant you that, Mr Bell, " the surgeon said. " But if they do not take care it will be the death of them. Some have burns such as I would expect from a flame – and suffer for it. "
     
                  " Well I shall rely upon you to ensure we do not lose any men or boys. As it is I am sore tempted to visit the prison ships again with a call for hands. Some, I am sure, will be eager to escape the holds of those floating hellholes. "
     
    ***
     
                  At Cape St Vincent the convoy swung South and East sighting the great port of Cadiz in the early dawn. Mister Bell remarked casually, " It seems strange to pass that place and not see activity as they despatch some vessel to attempt to hinder our passage. " He turned as the Captain stepped on deck. " Cadiz, sir. I thought you would wish to be on deck when we detach the brig and the colliers for the Rock. "
     
                  " You are very right, Thomas, " the Captain responded, his telescope to his eye. " With our flock, beating out of the entrance to the Mediterranean would be difficult. We will wear ship and shape our course to the south-westward once Cap Trafalgar is abeam. Pelican and the colliers may continue from there, I do not think the Dons will interfere though there are several ships ready for sea in the outer roads I see. "
     
                  " Shall I signal our intention to Pelican ' s commander, sir? "
     
                  " In due time Thomas, I shall breakfast first I think. " The Captain swept the convoy with his glass noting, with annoyance, the Maid of Selsey was lagging badly and seemed to be pumping her bilges yet again. " I begin to think that transport ' s master is determined to irritate me. I have not met so truculent a man in these many years – nor one who cares so little for the fabric of his ship! " He snapped at the signal party, " Signal her to make more sail and keep proper station on the convoy. "
     
                  Even as the flags soared aloft a cry from the masthead reached the deck, " Deck there, ship in sight – on the Starboard quarter. "
     
                  Before the Captain could train his glass, the lookout called again, " Deck there – a first rate and four smaller ships. " A pause, " Looks like Dons, a whole squadron of ' em. "
     
                  " Mister Bowles, " the Captain was brisk, " Take a glass and get aloft. See if you can identify them and their intentions. "
     
                  " Aye, aye, sir, " Tom Bowles snatched a telescope from its rack and swung into the mizzen shrouds. Soon he was perched on the mizzen top and sighting the telescope on the new ships. After a moment he called down, " A three decker and four seventy fours, sir. From her size I think it must be the Santissima Trinidad. "
     
                  " Thank you Mister Bowles – and her course? "
     
                  " On her present head, they appear bound for Cadiz, sir. "
     
                  By this time the deck seemed to have become filled with curious onlookers, the majority of whom were quick to find things to occupy themselves as soon as any of the lieutenants, now also peering aft, glanced in their direction.
     
                  Harry heard the Master speaking to the Third Lieutenant, " A hundred and twenty guns, Mister Beasley. The largest ship in any navy – and a fine prize for any bold enough to attack her. "
     
                  Tom Bowles landed near Harry and grinned, " A Spanish Fleet no less, Harry. She wears an