Command a King's Ship (24 page)

When he saw Herrick he said, “There is still a good span of daylight left. We'll put the hands to replacing canvas and running- rigging while it lasts. I have ordered the galley fire to be lit, and we'll see that our people get a good meal.” He gestured towards the labouring storeship which was now less than a mile away. “We might even poach a few extra hands from
her,
eh?”

Herrick saw the others watching Bolitho dully, their bodies almost limp with exhaustion and delayed shock. He guessed that this other Bolitho, cool, confident, filled with ideas again, was the one the seaman on the gun crew had pictured throughout the battle.

The fact that he knew the real Bolitho behind the shield made him feel suddenly privileged and restored.

12
IN
FOR
A
B
LOW

R
EAR
A
DMIRAL
Beves Conway made a dark silhouette against the window's colourful rectangle, but Bolitho could recognise his im- patience even though his back was turned. Beyond him, still and peaceful above their own varying shadows, the anchored ships shone in the late sunlight.

Undine
lay apart from the heavy transport and the little brig
Rosalind,
and it was impossible to see the damage she had received from the French frigate's eighteen-pounders. Occasionally, when there was a lull in the voices, Bolitho heard the echoes of thudding hammers, the rasp of saws to show that only distance made
Undine
's trim appearance a lie.

The air in the big, timbered room was cool after the open bay, and although the various figures sitting around it looked as if they had barely moved since his last visit, Bolitho noticed that the place itself had changed considerably in so short a time. More furniture, some rugs, and a whole array of gleaming decanters and glasses made it look lived in, rather than a fortress under siege.

Don Luis Puigserver sat on a brass-bound chest, sipping wine, while James Raymond, tight-lipped and unsmiling, faced him across a littered table. The brig's master, Captain Vega of the original garrison and two red-coated soldiers from the
Bedford
made up the rest of the gathering. One of the latter, a heavy-faced man intro- duced briefly as Major Frederick Jardine, and who commanded the soldiers brought from Madras, Bolitho instantly recognised as the one he had seen there when he had been escorting Viola Raymond. He had a fat, belligerent face, and his small, piggy eyes had hardly left Bolitho since he had arrived. The other soldier, a Captain Strype, was his second-in-command, and a complete opposite. Tall and stick-thin, with a black moustache, he spoke with a lisp, and had a short, barking laugh. He was probably rather stupid, Bolitho thought, but was obviously much in awe of his superior.

Conway said sharply, “Naturally I am very distressed to learn of
Argus
's attack, Captain Bolitho.”

Raymond said, “
Unwarranted,
too.”

Conway turned lightly on his heels, his hair yellow in the sunlight. “But not unexpected, Raymond. Not by me, that is. It was obvious from the beginning that the French were implicated. They have to be, for their own interest's sake. We are lucky that
Bedford
's arrival put paid to their intention to take Captain Bolitho's ship from him.” He shifted his gaze, his tone incisive. “And he would have done so, eh?”

Bolitho felt all their eyes on him. “I believe so, sir.”

Conway bobbed his head. “Good. Good, Bolitho. I wanted the truth and, believe me, I know what it cost you.”

Raymond tried again to put his point of view. “I think, sir, that we should despatch the brig to Madras without delay. Sir Montagu Strang may consider that further operations here might be impru- dent.” He ignored Conway's stiffening shoulders. “Later, perhaps, some new plan may be conceived. Until then, we must take this affair as a warning.”

Conway rasped, “A
warning?
Do you imagine that for one instant I will let some damned pirate work off his wrath on me and so imperil the very task I have just undertaken?” He stepped closer. “Well,
do you?
”

Raymond paled but replied stubbornly, “I am here on behalf of the government, sir. As an adviser. The French must realise that you are out-manoeuvred before you have begun. If this Muljadi is allowed to plunder and ravage these waters, then there is no chance of using Pendang Bay as a new and flourishing station for trade. No shipping master would risk it.” He turned towards the brig's captain. “Is that not so?”

The man nodded glumly. “We need more protection, sir.” Raymond sounded triumphant. “Exactly! Which is what the French intend. If we ask for more men-of-war to patrol the area, they, too, will even the balance by sending additional consorts for
Argus
.”

Conway stared at him. “Then so be it!”

“No, sir. It would mean war.
Argus
is protected by her letter of marque. Muljadi is protected by his own power and backed up by big French friends. There are a thousand Muljadis in the Indies, some who are genuine rulers, and some who reign over fewer people than Captain Bolitho does at present. We all want to extend our trade and influence, to China if need be, and beyond. There are riches we can only dream of, lands where people have never heard of King George, or Louis either, for that matter.”

Bolitho said quietly, “You are advising the governor to admit defeat, sir. Do I understand correctly?”

Raymond smiled calmly. “As you have done, eh?”

Bolitho walked to the window and stared down at his ship. It gave him time. Allowed the sudden blinding anger to depart. In the lower enclosure he saw Midshipman Keen sitting with one of the ship's boys rescued from the
Nervion
. He had been detailed to look after Keen, to assist him, if only by making him rest. It was still not possible to be sure he would recover from his wound. Was it really only the day before yesterday? The smoke and noise, the aftermath of hard, heavy work to put their ship to rights. The sea- burials, each corpse heavily weighted to ensure it went straight down to avoid the prowling sharks.

He said, “I take it, Mr. Raymond, you have never borne arms for your country?” He did not wait for an answer. “Had you ever worn the King's coat you would have known that one defeat, if admitted, is not the end of a battle.”

He heard Captain Strype say in his thin voice, “By Gad, that's not much of an argument, what?”

Bolitho turned swiftly, his tone hard. “I was addressing Raymond, sir, not some damned mercenary who because of his rank imagines himself to be a solider!”

Don Puigserver brought his glass down to the table with a loud bang. “Gentlemen! I know that Vega and I are no longer in- volved here. I also believe that both Señor
Raymond and the governor,” he bowed slightly to Conway, “are both right. With Muljadi free to use his ruthless power and so influence other
friendly
rulers in the Indies, you can make no advances. With more military strength you would only excite a hostile reaction and fur- ther French involvement.” He paused and gave an eloquent shrug. “Which I doubt my own country could ignore.”

Bolitho nodded towards him, grateful for his interruption. Another second and he knew he would have said too much, and Conway, even had he wanted to, would have been unable to help him.

Major Jardine cleared his throat. “Despite what the gallant captain has said,” he did not look at Bolitho, “I believe my force will be sufficient. I have two hundred sepoys and a mule battery. All experienced.” He had a thick voice, and sweated badly, despite the room's comparative coolness.

Puigserver regarded him gravely. “If
Nervion
had been here, none of this could have happened. An additional ship, the men, and the showing of our flag to the
Argus
would certainly have de- layed, if not defeated, Muljadi's intentions.”

Conway said, “But she is not here. Only the
Undine
.”

Jardine said thickly, “And she does not seem to have acquitted herself too well.” He turned to Bolitho, his small eyes like steel. “Even as a mere soldier, a
mercenary,
I can see that neither of the schooners lies at anchor, and as far as we know, the
Argus
still flies Muljadi's colours. What say
you
, Captain?”

Bolitho faced him. “The first schooner turned turtle and sank. The other took advantage of
Argus
's presence to escape.” He could feel little emotion now. Words and taunts were inevitable. It was better to get it over with. Clear the air.

“Indeed, yes.” Jardine leaned back in his chair, his polished boots squeaking. “And then the
Bedford
arrived to give you help. The poor, much-maligned Company's own ship was the one to drive
Argus
away.”

“Had you been there, Major—”

Jardine spread his plump hands. “But I was not, sir. I am a soldier. I am supposed to be able to leave such matters to our Navy, surely?”

Conway said coldly, “I have heard enough. I will brook no more hostility here. Not from you, Bolitho,” he looked at Jardine, “nor from anyone else!” He thrust his hands behind him, making his sloping shoulders droop even further. “Had
Undine
been beaten in open combat I would have removed Captain Bolitho from com- mand. He knows that well enough, and so should the rest of you. The Navy is too often expected to fight greater forces than itself possesses, and has been so successful in the past that victory against ridiculous odds is now taken for granted. By the empty- minded men of politics, and those who care more for quick profit than lasting security! As it is, Captain Bolitho will be required to sail without further delay, other than completing
necessary
repairs, for Muljadi's own territory in the strait.” He looked at Bolitho calmly. “You will make contact with
Argus
's captain, under flag of truce, and convey a message which I will give you.”

Raymond said quickly, “May I suggest, plead with you, sir, that you allow Don Puigserver to go with Captain Bolitho? He has the right to demand the freedom of Spain's last governor here, Colonel Pastor. He could explain his displeasure at such—”

Conway shouted, his voice bounding back from the timbered walls. “I have been appointed governor, Raymond! I don't need your apron strings, nor do I need the help of the King of Spain, d'you understand?”

Raymond's defiance wilted under Conway's sudden anger. He said nothing.

Puigserver stood up and walked slowly towards the door, followed gratefully by Capitan Vega.

He paused and looked back at them, his eyes very dark. “I would have accompanied Capitan Bolitho with pleasure, of course.” He smiled briefly. “I have a great admiration for his courage, his . . .” he searched for the word, “. . . his integrity. But I have much to do. My task is to embark the remaining Spanish soldiers and their dependents on to the
Bedford
.” He glanced at Conway, his smile fading. “As you remarked this morning, the flag of Spain no longer has authority here.”

Bolitho watched him stride out. He had sensed the tension as soon as he had arrived. It could not have been easy for Conway. Fretting over lack of news, waiting for supplies and troops to ar- rive. But he was wrong to antagonise Puigserver. If things went badly here, Conway would need all the references he could get, even in Spain.

Jardine remarked vaguely, “I'd better be off then. Settle the sepoys in their company lines, and replace the marines as sentries and pickets.”

No thanks, no admiration for what Captain Bellairs and his marines had achieved in so short a time. Bolitho glanced through the window again. The encroaching brush and creeper cleared away, and corpses buried. The place used as a hospital had been cleaned and painted, and even Whitmarsh had been full of praise for their efforts.

Conway nodded. “I will meet you here after sunset, Major.”

Bolitho waited until the two soldiers had left the room and then said, “I am sorry about my outburst, sir. But I have had my bellyful of his kind.”

Conway grunted. “Perhaps. But you will hold your tongue in future. If Jardine commanded only a handful of crippled beggars I would say the same. I need every man I can get.”

Raymond stood up and yawned. “This damned heat. I think I'll take a nap before dinner.”

He, too, walked out. He did not look at Bolitho.

Conway said softly, “He disliked your remark about bearing arms, you know.” He chuckled. “His wife has been singing the praises of sea-officers in general during your absence, and you in particular.” He frowned. “I seem to be plagued with those intent on disruption.”

“Is she well, sir?” He could not face him. “I have not seen her since my return.”

“She's been assisting that sot of a surgeon with the sick and wounded.” His eyebrows mounted. “
Surprised?
By God, Bolitho, you've much to learn about women!” He nodded sharply. “But you'll see, all in good time.”

Bolitho recalled her refusal to help tend the injured aboard
Undine
after Puigserver had been carried aboard more dead than alive. And her reasons? He sighed. Perhaps Puigserver and Conway were both right. He had much to learn.

He replied, “I will return to the ship, sir. There will be a lot to arrange.”

“Yes.” Conway watched him thoughtfully. “And remember. When you meet
Argus
's captain, keep your personal feelings to yourself. He is doing his own work as best he can. You would do the same if so ordered. If Le Chaumareys is still in command, and not killed by one of your guns, he will be eager to meet you also. He is older than you, but I think you may have something in common.” His lines deepened as he added dryly, “A disrespect for your superiors, if nothing else!”