Devil to Pay (39 page)

“Thank you, sir.”

“There remains the question of your immediate posting. I know something of your recent career, being indebted for this information to Mr Carter, master of the
Dove.
I understand from him that you are at present without a berth. That being so, I am happy to offer you a lieutenant's vacancy on board this frigate, replacing Lieutenant Halsted who was killed in the recent action. I see from the list that your position will make you next in seniority to the first lieutenant. You will understand that the appointment will have to be confirmed by the commander-in-chief, Sir John Jervis, but I venture to predict that he will do so on Rear-Admiral Griffin's recommendation. May I ask whether such a posting is acceptable to you?”

“I am happy to accept your offer, sir, and I look forward to serving under your command.”

“I am glad to welcome you. There remains the question of Mr Carter and the
Dove.
Would he accept an appointment as master's mate?”

“I think not, sir. He is too successful, I fancy, in his present trade.”

Later that afternoon the
Dove
was to part company, heading northward and leaving the
Medusa
to make for her rendezvous with Rear-Admiral Griffin. Sam Carter had dined with Captain Morris; Rothery (first lieutenant), Delancey (second) and Maltby (surgeon) being the other guests. Over the wine the captain sent his steward out with a written message, soon afterwards bringing the party to its close. “We must not detain you longer, Mr Carter—not with the wind fair for Ushant—but we'll drink your health before you go.” Farewells were said as the topsails were backed and Delancey escorted Sam to his boat. As he did so he realised that the whole crew was manning the side. As Sam stood for a moment, amazed, the boatswain called for three cheers. Quickly Sam ducked down into his boat, and stood with his hat removed as the oarsmen pulled away. While the company still manned the side and the small boat dipped to the swell on clearing the frigate's quarter, there crashed out the stately measure of a three-gun salute.

“Well!” said Rothery, replacing his hat. “He'll be the first smuggler that was ever saluted by a man-of-war.”

“Perhaps we should do it more often,” said Delancey. “It is useful sometimes to have a smuggler on your side.”