HOMECOMING by ALEXANDER KENT The story Homecoming is copyrighted by Bolitho Maritime Productions Ltd and The Thames Police Association

Originally published in 1994 by the Thames Police Association Journal This Bowsprit Press edition of Homecoming is published with the permission of the author.

Richard Bolitho figure on cover, ship and cannon drawings by Geoffrey Huband is Britannic Majesty’s sloop- though: his pride and joy and his first of-war Guillemot of eighteen command. Hguns plunged and lifted in the He strode across the slippery wet short stiff crests of the North Sea. planking and glanced at the compass. Nine days out of Gibraltar where the Its light was burning even though it sun always appeared to be shining, and was barely noon. He joined the first the air was always warm, to this bitter lieutenant by the rail and watched the October weather which seemed to grey sea bursting into agitated white pierce even the thickest clothing. froth as the beakhead crashed down England was very near, with yet again. Whitstable and the approaches to the “We’ll not get in before dark, Nore and London’s great river Thames Aubrey.” They both ducked as the sea just miles to larboard. boiled along the deck, smashing over Running for shelter, and with their and around each tethered gun like a country so close now, there was millrace. “I’d not risk the London always the danger of a slackening vigi- river at the best of times. But with lance. For if England was near, then him aboard it would be my ruin if so was the enemy coastline, where any something went wrong.” sail might be hostile. Overnight the The first lieutenant glanced at the sloop-of-war had thrashed up-Channel, streaming cabin skylight. Delivering every man very aware of the proximity despatches or collecting them from of the French coast, the hands called to some squadron, the whereabouts of trim sails and yards time and time which they often had only the haziest again in each watch, finding their way idea, was one thing. Carrying an aloft to fist and battle the hard foul- important passenger was another mat- weather canvas as if they had been ter entirely. doing it all their lives. Some of them At any other time they could have had. landed him at Plymouth or Ports- Guillemot’s young commander mouth. But the orders left nobody in enjoyed the responsibility, which for any doubt. Commodore Richard the most part he shared with nobody. Bolitho was to be taken straight to The vessel had been employed mainly London, and thence to the Admiralty. carrying despatches between the vari- It had been a strange experience, he ous squadrons and England itself, and thought. Nine days since the com- he knew that if his luck held he would modore had come aboard at the Rock probably be promoted and then “post- after leaving his flagship Lysander ed” before eventually being given a there, and yet despite Guillemot’s rela- frigate to command, the dream of tively small size the officers had bare- every young and ambitious sea-officer. ly seen him. Apart from one meal He would miss his lively Guillemot, with Guillemot’s youthful commander

1 Bolitho had remained for the most part any new appointment. The older men, in his cabin aft, having his meals sent the boatswain and some of the other to him and sharing them only with his warrant officers, knew of his exploits powerfully-built coxswain, a seaman far better than these youthful lieu- he appeared to treat as an equal. tenants. He came of a long line of Guille- mot’s commander considered Cornish sea-officers and had fought in his own coxswain but dismissed the every ocean where the English flag notion. A good seaman, honest and was challenged. Stories about him reliable as any were like part of the navy itself. sailor could Bolitho had been a frigate captain for hope to much of his service and had seen be in action in some of the fiercest fleet and ship-to-ship battles. It was said that he was due for an early promotion after his last commission in the Mediter- ranean. If so, he would be the young- est rear-admiral in the fleet after Nelson. More water surged along the tilting deck and flew from the the straining canvas like icy rain. Being a commodore was King’s rather like being a commander. If navy, but no you fell from Grace it would be all the companion for an way, in Bolitho’s case back down to officer. captain. The commander grimaced. On reflection, he had never met a In mine, from my own command to a real hero before. He had been in skir- lieutenant once more. Better to die in mishes, once with a Spanish frigate, the cannon’s mouth. He smiled tight- although Guillemot’s role was not to ly. Almost. engage in heroics but to avoid action Upon Guillemot’s arrival at Gibral- and deliver the word of authority as so tar they had discovered something of ordered. Be the ship a majestic three- which nobody in England was yet decker or a lowly brig, they all had to aware. After months of fruitless be controlled and directed by the face- searching for the French fleet, said to less men of admiralty. Guillemot was be somewhere in the Mediterranean, the messenger. Nelson had finally stumbled upon Richard Bolitho had a reputation them. Not this time in open water which usually preceded his arrival in where they could have challenged and

2 perhaps overwhelmed the English shook his head. “No, I see that you squadrons, but intent on launching the cannot.” He glanced at the straining biggest naval and military campaign rigging and banging canvas. “She is yet in Egypt. If successful, they would too fair a lady to risk on that river.” have forced open the gateway to India The commander had never consid- and beyond. ered his ship in those terms. “May I Bolitho’s flagship Lysander had ask, sir, have you ever served in a been in the thick of it, although when sloop-of-war?” they had anchored close by to take on The smile was distant, and both sad fresh water in Gib Guillemot’s officers and proud. had been amazed to see how well she “My first command, Sparrow. had been repaired after the savage Much like this one. Your first, I engagement in the Bay of Aboukir, understand?” which was already being called the He had suddenly become a senior Battle of the Nile. officer, no longer a mere passenger, The first lieutenant said in a fierce and the commander almost stammered. whisper, “He’s coming up now, sir!” “Yes, sir.” He felt Bolitho’s wet hand He immediately moved to the lee side on his sleeve. of the quarterdeck. “When you stand in the line of bat- Bolitho was wearing an old watch- tle...” He looked at him again. coat which displayed no mark of rank. “You will still remember this ship. He was hatless, so that his black hair There will be none quite like her.” was soon soaked in salt spray. Bolitho moved restlessly to the One bell chimed out from the fore- weather side of the quarterdeck, feel- castle and the commander touched his ing the cold and half-fearful that the hat. fever which had almost killed him in “Steering due west, sir. The wind the Great South Sea when he had been has backed a piece - to the nor’ east, it commanding the frigate Tempest had would appear.” returned to plague him once more. Bolitho looked at him. His eyes Because of it, Tempest was to be his were the colour of the sea, the English last frigate, just as the little Sparrow coast and the Western Approaches. had been his first command. Grey, and now, as they studied him, He had seen the surprise, disbelief penetrating. An old scar cut into his even in the young commander’s eyes hairline above the right eye. Against when he had revealed his emotions. his sunburned face it was pale and But then in the navy it was usually like livid. It was a marvel he had survived, that. Midshipmen saw the vital step the commander thought. from the young gentlemen’s berth to Bolitho said, “Will you reach the wardroom as an end to all their London before nightfall?” Then he problems, even as lieutenants viewed

3 the captain’s cabin as total security seemed in full command once more. from day-to-day routine and watch- Or had that, too, been an illusion? keeping, and every kind of personal Bolitho gripped a stay to steady problem. himself as the Guillemot showed her And the captain, what of him? copper to the angry sky. After What of me? Would it be flag rank Lysander, a two-decker of seventy- this time, or because of some grudge four guns, she seemed to frisk like a or another’s envy, might it be obscuri- lamb in a field. ty? He thought of Catherine Pareja. Even as commodore he had felt the Could Herrick ever forgive or forget difference. It went far deep- their brief, passionate attrac- er than overall authori- tion? Boli- tho had ty, the margin seen the sharp dis- between victory approval on and defeat. Herrick’s open The people face when he you thought had men- you knew tioned the could fine wine change cooler she towards had given you, him for incompre- his cabin hensible in though the Lysander. change might In the same be. He breath he won- thought of his dered if he old friend Thomas would see her Herrick, his flag-cap- again. What might tain in Lysander. They had happen if they met? served together in several oceans and Herrick had broken disturbing news knew one another like brothers. when he had taken command and He had been forced to move hoisted his broad-pennant as com- Herrick to another command, to find modore. Bolitho’s nephew Adam, a his confidence again, to discover the junior lieutenant who was also serving authority he had lost. It had been dif- in Lysander, had been involved in a ficult for both of them, but in the line secret duel on the Rock with another of battle for the final struggle against a lieutenant, defending his uncle’s repu- superior French fleet, Herrick had tation after rumour and gossip about

4 Bolitho’s brief affair in London with young commander and his officers had Catherine had begun to circulate. His watched him curiously, and seamen mouth softened. Kate. had drawn aside as if they thought Nothing must happen to damage they might offend him. He was , after Adam’s chances in the navy. I am his all, the most senior officer the little only champion. It had broken sloop-of-war had ever carried. Bolitho’s father’s heart when his His lips had been dry as he had brother Hugh, Adam’s father, had clung to the shrouds in his old sea- deserted the navy to fight on the other going coat, heedless of the tarred rig- side during the American war. It must ging and the bitter wind. The visibility never rebound on Adam. had been poor, but as always he had He shivered again. Tomorrow, the recognized the angry coastline: the London river. Then to the Admiralty notorious Lizard with its boiling spray, to present his report to their lordships, where the jagged rocks waited with of the great battle and the enemy timeless patience for another victim, a prizes which Lysander had helped to drifting wreck or a vessel doomed on a escort to Gibraltar. It was strange to lee shore. The Lizard. Cornwall. His realise that while they had been bury- home in Falmouth only a dozen sea ing their dead and trying to repair the miles away. extensive damage to hulls and spars, It had been then that he had felt it, the ship which was to have carried the like a blow in the face. There would news of the victory at the Nile had be no one there at the old grey house been attacked and taken by two where his family had lived for genera- Frenchmen, the only two enemy ves- tions. It would be an empty place sels to have survived the battle. now, where only Ferguson, his one- England had been entirely unaware of armed steward, and the servants wait- the battle until a few days ago, accord- ed for the last Bolitho to return home. ing to a courier brig they had spoken The girl with the Chestnut hair and to as they had clawed their way into eyes the colour of the green shallows the Channel. The celebrations must below the headland was gone. His have brought new life and joy to the wife. Sometimes Bolitho saw her in whole country. But when the true cost his thoughts, waiting at the windows of the victory reached the homes of of their room, which overlooked the rich and poor alike, there would be sea. Watching for the ship which had grief to match it. not returned in time to save her life. Bolitho recalled his feelings when It had been Herrick who had carried the lookouts had sighted England two that news to Bolitho too, that Cheney days ago. Armed with a telescope he had been killed in a coaching accident, had hurried on deck, while the ship and their unborn child with her. As if was preparing to change tack. The from a great distance he had heard

5 Guillemot’s commander asking anx- big man in every sense, but when he iously, “Are you ill, sir? Is something worked on his carvings his fingers wrong?” were capable of all the care and delica- Bolitho had been too overcome by cy of a silversmith. He began to get to emotion to remember what he had said his feet but Bolitho waved him down in reply, but he had gone below, leav- as he threw his spray-soaked coat onto ing the commander hurt and angry. a chair. They had not spoken since. Until now. “Easy, old friend.” He sat, half-lis- And he recalled Adam’s question tening to the squeal of blocks and the when he had seen his nephew after the thump of the tiller head as the wheel duel. went over. Feet raced across the deck Of Catherine Pareja he had asked, and he could picture the yards swing- “Uncle, did you take her home? I ing round and the sails filling out on mean, to your house in Falmouth?” the opposite tack, as if he were there And his reply. “No, Adam, not to with them, as he had watched it so Falmouth.” many hundreds of times. He watched the gulls swooping and Allday put down his knife and screeching around the counter in the watched him warily. He had seen this hope of scraps from the galley. mood before, and, by God, they’d Tonight those same gulls would nest in gone through so much together. the Isle of Sheppy, or Sheerness itself. Bolitho still surprised him, however. “Oh, Kate, where are you now?” Allday had never served a better man, His words were lost in the wind and nor would he. He would have run rattling rigging. It had meant so much long since, otherwise. But he could to Adam to defend his honour, and not understand that Bolitho, a born even though he had liked her he might leader who would rise like a bursting never accept her in Cheney’s place. wave when the danger was greatest, Bolitho sighed, seeing her face, feeling could rarely find the confidence in her warmth, their need, one for the everyday life that others in his position other. would take as a right. No, we must never meet again. Repelling enemy boarders, Allday “Stand by to alter course! Man the had seen him in ten places at once, the braces there!” Bolitho walked to the old family sword reaping a bloody har- companionway. He was a passenger vest until the enemy were driven away again, with no part to play as the or defeated. He had seen Bolitho’s drenched seamen bustled to their sta- sadness, too, when his people had tions. cheered with the wildness that follows He found his coxswain John Allday every triumph at sea. What did lands- seated in the cabin, squinting in the men know? All that talk about King dim light at his latest ship model. A and Country. They had never even set

6 foot on a man-of-war - that would fall, and had been unable to comfort change their stupid minds. Bolitho’s him in death. It was in that same ship men fought for each other, for the ship that he had met Allday, dragged aboard around them, but mostly for the cap- by the press gang at Falmouth. A lion tain who led them. in battle, a man without fear, and yet at And he had seen him after battle or other times so gentle. Like the time he engagement, when the decks were had used his knife to cut away a great streaked with blood and pieces of men splinter that had been blasted into a they had once known and shared a tot midshipman’s groin. The surgeon had with, like this last time at the Nile been too drunk to do it. when Allday had watched him kneel Now each depended on the other. on the splintered deck to hold the hand Like the master and faithful dog, each of a dying man. Not a gentleman or fearful that the other would die first, any one who counted, but an ordinary and leave the loneliness behind. common sailor. Allday was suddenly He realised that Allday was waiting proud of it. Like me. for an answer. He jumped as Bolitho asked quietly, “Another ship.” “You smile. May I ask why?” Allday nodded his shaggy head. Allday held up his latest hull and “There’s always that, sir.” He added eyed it critically. “Did I, sir?” He firmly, “Promotion too. It’s your grinned uncomfortably. “I was just right, an’ that’s no error!” thinkin’ I should get a few coins for Bolitho said, “Open that cabinet. I this one.” could manage a wet - isn’t that what Bolitho shook his head. “You you call it?” won’t. I know you. You’ll give it to Allday grinned. That was better. the son of some poor Jack who’s never His grin widened as Bolitho continued. coming home again.” “I feel certain that the commander “Mebbe so, sir, mebbe so.” He would not miss some rum for you.” quickly changed tack. “What’ll The officer of the watch, pacing the become of us, d’you reckon, sir?” deck overhead, paused as he heard the Bolitho relaxed muscle by muscle. laughter through the cabin skylight. Us. Such a small word to mean so He had once heard an old warrant offi- much. Nelson had a coxswain who cer describe Richard Bolitho as “a spe- watched over him and who was always cial sort of man”. He thought of the to hand when the fighting was ship-to- battered prizes he had seen at Gibral- ship. And then there had been Stock- tar, the pain and the terror there must dale, Bolitho’s own coxswain until he have been. But most of all he recalled had been shot down in the frigate the exact moment when Bolitho had Phalarope. Bolitho had never forgiv- left Lysander for the last time to come en himself that he had not seen him aboard Guillemot. The cheering had

7 gone on and on, as if the Rock itself waters. There were extra lookouts, were joining in. and a man in the forechains with lead- It should have been a triumph for and-line, while overhead the sails had the man who had done so much and been reduced to a minimum, topsails, could still inspire such loyalty, love jib and driver. even, in the face of death. Bolitho walked over to join the But when Bolitho had come through commander by the big double wheel. the entry port he had seen his expres- “What do you intend?” sion, and had been reminded of the The young man looked at him anx- warrant officer’s description. He iously. “I had hoped for Limehouse could not remember ever seeing such Reach, sir, but it will be dark very sorrow. A special sort of man. He soon. I dare not risk the ship. There continued his watch, his boots squeak- are more vessels than I had expected. ing on the streaming planks. He was Waiting for the tide, sheltering until glad he had seen that quality for him- first light, I know not.” He searched self. Bolitho’s features, expecting criticism Richard Bolitho returned to the or worse. quarterdeck when the afternoon watch Bolitho said, “Deptford, then?” was dismissed below. He was sur- There was something else which nei- prised, even with all his experience at ther the commander nor his subordi- sea, at how dark it was, how hostile nates appeared to have noticed. and unfamiliar the landmarks had Perhaps the others were too loyal to become. mention it in the presence of a senior With a soldier’s wind under her officer, or maybe they were not used to coattails Guillemot showed no uncer- making suggestions to their own cap- tainty as she moved steadily into the tain. But it happened often in the turmoil of the Thames. There were south-east. Blustery sea, rain and bit- ships everywhere, moored to one ter cold. Then nothing. another or at anchor, while some were He said quietly, “I think there may tied up three abreast at the crowded be fog on the way.” wharves and piers. Every sort of ship He saw the surprise and relief at his and cargo, from the East and West comment. The commander bobbed his Indies, from the Mediterranean where head, his hand moved soundlessly they had sailed and fought such a short across his chin. time ago. Wines and spices, fruit and “Fog, sir.” He bobbed again. “I perfume. The navy had to fight to think Deptford would be a wise deci- keep these lifelines open. sion.” He hesitated and said almost The commander and his officers shyly, “Thank you, sir. I am more obviously did not share the Guille- used to open sea, I must admit.” mot’s confidence in such enclosed Bolitho smiled, his teeth very white

8 Deptford in his sunburned face. men and marines from the local “Admit nothing, my friend. It is receiving ship, from as far east as something worth remembering. I shall Woolrich. remain on board until morning. Per- Bolitho knew that the notorious haps you would be good enough to Execution Dock was not so far away, send my chests to Southwark. I can and guessed that many felons other- put up at the George Inn until I know wise condemned to hang there would their lordships’ true reasons for recall- seize upon the navy as an escape if the ing me.” He looked away so that the choice were offered. Only pirates commander should not see the pain in were denied such a luxury, and would his eyes. I shall board a coach at hang there in irons until time and the Southwark. When I eventually leave it, gulls had reduced them to macabre tat- I shall be in Falmouth. ters. A terrible warning, but one that As the lights began to twinkle along was rarely heeded when the dice were the twisting river Guillemot came to down. rest at her moorings directly opposite Bolitho also overheard them dis- the sprawling victualling yard and rope cussing Guillemot’s sole cabin passen- depot at Deptford. ger. The visiting officer said, “Better The officer-of-the-guard climbed that he stays aboard until a suitable aboard and from the cabin Bolitho escort arrives. With so many of the heard the lieutenant explaining why press gangs and the Marine Police the river was so choked. The press ordered to search and seek out both gangs had been abroad amongst the thieves and deserters, I’d not care to quays and docks, reinforced by sea- walk the streets myself tonight!”

9 Ozzard, the mole-like servant last night aboard, Bolitho invited the Bolitho had given employment on sloop’s commander to sup with him. board Lysander, was preparing the He thought he might decline the invi- table for the evening meal, while tation on some pretext or other, or Bolitho’s dress uniform was already resent being asked to share a meal in laid out in the sleeping compartment in what were his own quarters. readiness for tomorrow. Allday had Instead, he had accepted with unex- probably told the little man that, cap- pected eagerness. Bolitho had insisted tain or commodore, Bolitho rarely on settling the wine account and had allowed the weather to deflect him sent some men to collect fresh bread from his intentions. from the nearby naval yard. After Bolitho raised the skylight very Lysander and the hazards of the slightly and heard the commander say, Mediterranean, the bread more than “Then I shall post extra guards myself. anything made him realise that no mat- What lies over yonder? It is as black ter what lay ahead, he was home. as tar.” There was brandy too, and as The lieutenant replied, “A dock or Bolitho suspected, his companion two. Beyond that, Wapping.” managed with its help to raise the sub- There was a crash as Ozzard ject of Aboukir Bay, and Lysander’s dropped a plate onto the deck. When part in it. Bolitho turned, he was staring at the He was surprised that he did not curved timbers as if he expected to see refuse to discuss it: he would have ear- through them to the place himself. lier. It was the usual sense of guilt and Allday had come in to polish shame, which he had often suffered in Bolitho’s sword. Wapping? It meant the aftermath of cloth action, haunted nothing to him. Just another riverside always by the bewilderment or the collection of shops and chandlers, inns accusation in the eyes of dying men, and ropeworks. Folk who lived off the men waiting for the mercy of death, river and served the ships for their for the end of pain. Eyes that seemed short time in port. Rum, shanties and to ask, why me and not you? You who women. A sailor’s haven. led us into this, who urged us on, no There was sheer terror in Ozzard’s matter the cost. Why me and not you? eyes, but all he said was, “I’m s-sorry, Men who could cheer even though sir, can’t think what happened!” half-mad with the din of battle. Men Wapping obviously meant some- who could cry out when a friend fell, thing to Ozzard. Maybe the answer to or jeer when the enemy’s broadside why he had volunteered for the navy at went astray. Why me? Tower Hill. But that was all he said He found that he was speaking about it, or was ever likely to say. freely, as if he were describing it as it As he intended that it should be his happened, as if it were not in the past

10 but immediate and real. ance? It was something they would The commander said nothing, but never know. his eyes spoke for all of them. The “Our Nel perceived that one weak- ones who had yet to see such carnage, ness when other commanders might and the others who had gone forever. have held back. He sailed his ships Once he saw the other man reach around the enemy line, and so raked over to refill his brandy goblet. Boli- them from both sides. All but two of tho did not even notice that he had fin- de Brueys’ ships had either struck or ished it, and there was no taste on his been destroyed. It was overwhelming. tongue. But the most horrific sight of all was “The French fleet was anchored in his flagship L’Orient bursting into the bay, but in a rigid line, joined flames. She exploded, partly destroy- together, each ship at bow and stern so ing other ships nearby. that not even Our Nel could break “De Brueys had lost both legs in the through. It was a formidable sight, battle. To the very end he remained on and a larger fleet than ours. Aboard deck, propped up in his chair with his flagship, the great one hundred- both stumps in tourniquets, facing his and-twenty-gun L’Orient, Admiral de old enemy until his world vanished Brueys directed the battle from start to around him.” finish. “What of the French now, sir?” Only then did the commander “It was the end of Bonaparte’s speak. “You almost sound as if you dream of India. An entire fleet admired him, sir.” destroyed, and five thousand men Bolitho looked at him without see- killed, while his army was forced to ing him. “An enemy? Yes, I suppose watch from the shore, undefended and I did. A fine sailor, courageous and marooned.” honourable. I think he was as much “By God, Nelson must have been admired in our ships as in his own.” proud of his victory!” He paused, lost in thought, recalling it. Bolitho toyed with his goblet. “Of “The battle raged from that evening all victory, I believe so. But I think the through the night. When dawn found appalling sights that morning sickened us the sights were too terrible to him. He is not like many other vic- believe. The bay was covered with tors.” burned and drifting corpses, and so He recalled the note Nelson has sent many wrecks that I was stunned by the across to him in Lysander. strength of man’s ferocity. The French You are a man after my own heart, had no heavy guns on the shore - we Bolitho. The deed justifies the risk. had sent many of them to the bottom He sighed, and hoped that the com- earlier, otherwise...” mander would make his excuses and Would they have tipped the bal- go.

11 I doubt that it does. I do not believe it was to be his last day on earth. To Nelson thinks so, either. face a sudden squall, the topmen cling- The mood left him. “I shall be gone ing to the yards like monkeys, fighting tomorrow. My father once told me the sails and the wild chorus of wind something. He said, “Always do your and sea. Or merely to lie in fear, duty. But never be afraid to ask ques- remembering, dreading the next time, tions.” and the one after that. Then he walked to the stern win- He forced his body to relax, his dows and gasped as his head collided mouth like a kiln as he realised it was with a deck beam. He rubbed it rue- neither storm nor memory which had fully. Too long since he had served in awakened him. There was nothing. small ships... He opened one of the Neither sound nor movement. He sloping windows and felt the damp air climbed from the cot and waited for like ice rime on his face. Different his body to adjust to the deck. Again, smells too. Weed on the jetty piles, nothing, as if the ship were hard drifting rubbish and flotsam from the aground. He padded to the door and many barges and lighters. He could opened it a few inches. A solitary hear singing and shouting from a near- lantern hung motionless outside the by tavern. Violent and angry: men wardroom, and he saw Ozzard curled staggering back to the only world they on the deck near the pantry, his small knew. bag clutched against his face like a pil- The door closed. He was alone. low. All he owned. So grateful to be Then, very faintly on the wind, he his servant, free of running from one heard the regular chimes from South- ship to the next. A man bedevilled wark Cathedral. with such memories or secrets that he The ship felt utterly still, and he only slept in short snatches. Small and leaned out to peer down into the fast- frail, he must have had some difficulty running stream. Home. in persuading the recruiting party to He shut the window very slowly. accept him. Not like now. After years Oh, Kate. How did I lose you? of war, with thousands of men crippled Where did it go wrong? or killed and some driven mad by what But like the bay in that terrible they had endured, today they would dawn, there was only silence. accept anybody and be happy to press Bolitho opened his eyes, every all the others. sense suddenly alert despite the wine Bolitho returned to the cabin and and cognac. peered through the stern window. So many times. Ready to go on There had been a lively brazier on the watch, to run to quarters when the jetty where the watchmen had kept drums rattled and men snatched up warm and whiled the night away. their weapons, each one wondering if There was only a twisting glow now,

12 Prison Ship - Deptford like ghostly phosphorescence. Fog, o’ paint. Anybody could slip aboard dense and unmoving: he could even an’ they’d be none the wiser!” smell it. He listened, but there was Bolitho found that he could laugh. only silence. It might last for days; he “You couldn’t sleep either, eh?” had heard of such things in London. Allday shrugged. “No matter what He would get few thanks from the they wants us for at the Admiralty, sir, Admiralty if he waited for it to clear. seems only right an’ proper they’ll At the same time, he knew the fog was offer leave.” He put his shaggy head the not the reason for his impatience. to one side. “Falmouth, sir?” He had to know why he had been Bolitho sat down on the bench seat. recalled. Had he displeased someone? Us again. Most people would envy Nelson had been satisfied with the per- him. A post-captain to acting-com- formance of his small squadron, nut modore and squadron commander, and then Nelson was not loved by ever with luck promotion and recognition one, especially the Admiralty. aplenty still before him. And yet it He heard a click and turned to see seemed to mean very little to him now. Allday framed against the open door. Us... Allday on the other hand had “Sorry, sir. I thought it might be nothing much to call his own. But his some gallows-bait prowlin’ about.” faith and unshakable loyalty were He uncocked his pistol. “They don’t beyond riches to Bolitho. seem to run to marines in this little pot “Aye, Falmouth it is.” He peered

13 through the thick glass again. “Like a expect somebody will know.” stonewall. I wonder, could we take a But when the hands were called, boat direct from here...” He could feel and greasy smoke from the galley fun- Allday's doubts as if he had voiced nel drifted straight up into the fog, the them aloud. “Well?” commander came to make his report. Allday said, “I’ve spoken to some Visibility was worse than ever. Even of the lads, sir. Guillemot’s a deepwa- the jetty was now lost. ter vessel, an’ most of her company are He said helpfully, “An escort will West Country, from Plymouth an’ the surely be sent, sir.” Bolitho was like” abrupt. “When?” “You mean that until an escort is Allday left them to discuss it and sent for me, I shall have to remain on was putting his razor away when he board because none of the people can noticed Ozzard inside the small pantry, find their way on the Thames, or any- leaning against the bread rack as if he where else in London?” He stood up were afraid to let go of it. and banged his head once more. “What is it, matey?” He saw the “Damn! Just get me over there - I’ll man’s sudden fear, the way he was find the way somehow, fog or no!” staring at him as if he were trapped. The door opened and Ozzard “Now see here, Tom. You knows me, seemed to edge around it like a shad- an’ you’re gettin’ to know the Cap’n. ow. There was a smell of coffee, and In this fleet you asks no questions, he was carrying a jug of shaving water see? A secret’s a secret, an’ any one although it seemed only a few minutes who tells you different will have to since Bolitho had seen him asleep. settle with me, an’ that’s no error.” Allday rubbed his hands. “You Bolitho was at the door looking in enjoy the coffee, sir, an’ then I’ll shave at them. you. We’ve found our bearings in the “When you have a moment, Allday, Great South Sea in an open boat. I I want to ask you something.” reckons we can find our way across a They stared at Ozzard as he river!” straightened his back and said, “I used “I heard the officer of the guard to know Wapping quite well, sir.” speak of the Marine Police at Afterwards Allday thought he had Wapping. If we could find them...” sounded like a man about to take the They both turned as Ozzard said in first step up to the gallows. In the a small voice, “At Wapping, sir?” same small voice he added, “I could Allday said kindly, “You know it, show you.” Tom?” Bolitho looked at him gravely. “I Ozzard fiddled with his coffee pot. was going to send you with my gear to “Knew.” Southwark.” Allday fetched his shaving mug. “I He could see the doubts tearing at

14 him like claws. There was something fast until it does.” here which perhaps he would one day “I thought you might, sir. I appreci- understand, or perhaps he would never ate it.” know. But for the moment, it was Bolitho smiled. It was the comman- enough. der’s real reason for sending a mid- He said, “Thank you,” and pretend- shipman. If Guillemot was ordered to ed not to notice the relief in Ozzard’s get underway again, the midshipman eyes that there were to be no ques- would be the least missed. tions. “So let’s be about it, eh?” He touched his hat to the murky fig- Guillemot’s young commander was ures around him and then lowered barely able to contain his anxiety as himself down the side. After a ship- the gig, which had been lowered earli- of-the-line it seemed like only two or er, was warped slowly to the entry three steps. port. “Very well - Mr. Pym, is it not?” “I am most concerned, sir!” He saw the youth staring at him, prob- Bolitho peered at the boat and then ably too surprised that the commodor- beyond it. The river looked almost re should know his name to be fright- black in the strange light, and then ened of his new responsibility. vanished within a few feet into the Bolitho settled himself in the stern- curtain of fog. The water was slug- sheets and pulled out his small com- gish, but the current was enough to pass. “When we cast off, try to keep make the sloop-of-war drag noisily at midstream and steer due north. That her moorings. should take us up Limehouse Reach “It is time.” He saw the midship- where with luck,” he touched the mid- man by the gig’s tiller gazing up, his shipman’s arm and felt him jump, “and boat’s crew obviously untroubled by your skill, of course, we should soon this unexpected task. Bolitho could discover our bearings.” read their thoughts. It must be all Several of the oarsmen chuckled. right. No one would dare lose a They were all tough and experienced. famous commodore. The officers must not the sort to desert once they trod on know what they were about. dry land. The midshipman cleared his Allday reached out to assist Ozzard throat. “Cast off!” He almost fell down the side, but Bolitho saw him across the tiller bar as the boat veered shake off the helping hand with some- away from Guillemot’s side like a leaf thing like anger. on a fast stream. “Out oars! Give way The commander was saying, “They all!” think the fog could lift quite suddenly, Allday looked at the bottom boards sir.” rather than watch as a great iron- “Aye, it could. When we reach the ringed mooring buoy slid past. It other side I shall tell you crew to stand would have stove in the boat had they

15 collided. being unloaded. No ship’s master Somebody cried, “The buggers wanted to waste time alongside. For goin’ to ram us!” one thing, it was dangerous: crime, The ship came straight at them out from robbery to murder, was rife on of the fog, the bowsprit and tapering the London river. And, like an empty jib-boom rising above their heads like hold, there was no profit in idleness. a giant lance. Bolitho reached over and seized Bolitho said tersely, “Tide’s on the Ozzard’s shoulder as he leaned over ebb, Mr. Pym. That ship is not mov- the gunwale. Skin and bones: there ing. We are!” was nothing of the man. Allday slid across and rested his “Easy there, you’re all we have hand on the tiller. “I’ve got her, sir.” today!” He expected the midshipman to fly at Ozzard was twisting his head, his him for assuming control. Instead the fingers like claws on the painted gun- youth turned and looked at him and wale. said in a low voice, “Thank you, sir!” “We’ve left the Isle of Dogs astern, Allday squinted at the compass. sir.” He did not even blink as a “Back water larboard! Give way star- moored barge appeared to turn and board!” He swung the bar hard over, ram them. He was remembering, try- feeling the river sluicing against the ing to pierce the fog with his mind. hull, easing the tiller until he was sat- “We shall have to turn left shortly...” isfied. “Give way larboard - together, Allday muttered, “Left, he says!” damn your eyes!” Then he grinned as The stroke oarsman called hoarsely, another dark shape seemed to steer “Can we rest, Mr. Pym?” He was right for them, moving fast even careful not to ask the commodore. though her sails were furled, and her The midshipman looked at Bolitho. decks deserted. “I’ll lay odds them “They are pulling against the tide now, buggers are still abed!” sir.” Drifting timber and other flotsam Ozzard glanced at the midshipman thudded against the bows or pattered as if he had never seen him before. down the side like a blind man’s stick. “We we turn left, sir, there are some The smells were strong, a pungent sheltered wharves. It would be safe combination of all the rubbish that enough, I believe.” travelled back and forth on the tides “Very well.” Bolitho looked along until it eventually gave itself up to the the boat. Even the bowman was melt- estuary and the sea. ing into and emerging out of the fog. Once they heard some one shout “Watch the stroke now, lads!” He from the fog. It was so thick that it studied Allday's intent features. “Be might have been anybody, or there ready. Left, remember?” could easily have been a ton of cargo They could hear water rushing

16 through some tall piles, as if the river Hearing him address his coxswain, had increased speed in the past min- a seaman like themselves, did much to utes. quench the sudden anger in the boat. “Bowman!” Allday had one hand over his ear. The man in question gratefully “Shot, sir.” He moved his head very withdrew his oar and faced forward slowly, his hand held out like a stud- with his boathook. ding sail to catch the slightest sound. “There it is! Fine to starboard!” They all heard the second shot, All at once they saw a high pier ris- although it was hard to judge the dis- ing above them, and somebody cursed tance and the exact bearing. as his oar was torn from his hands to Minutes dragged past, and the vanish from its rowlock. Allday silence but for the ripple of water called, “Ship your oars!” Then he through the piles was oppressive. swung the tiller bar hard over and “Watch out!” The bowman waited, keeping his balance with diffi- snatched his boathook but he was not culty as the boat surged beneath the fast enough. Turning one shoulder stinking shelter of the pier. like a man in his sleep, a sodden Ozzard said breathlessly, “Lime- corpse drifted alongside just for a sec- house, sir!” ond as if he were going to pull himself The oarsmen drooped on their aboard. They heard his shoes scrape thwarts, sucking in the damp, cold air, along the bottom, saw the staring, dead a solitary grapnel holding them in eyes fixed on each one of them before position. it vanished astern with the other drift- Ozzard was murmuring as though to ing rubbish. himself, “They used to have a few Only Ozzard seemed unmoved. He hulks hereabouts, sir. A receiving ves- said, “Watchman. I saw his coat and sel too, though she may have been buttons.” shifted.” Bolitho waited for the midshipman The seamen were chattering to tear his eyes from the river. amongst themselves but peered aft “Are your people armed, Mr. Pym?” with resentment as Allday snapped, He spoke calmly but the midship- “Keep silence in the boat!” man stared at him, unable to believe Bolitho glanced up at him. It was that there was danger so near. not like Allday to use his authority on “I - I have my dirk, sir.” trusted seamen who were doing their Two of the oarsman had their cut- best. lasses. That was all. Bolitho looked There was something about him. at Allday. “I know that you are always Alert, and suddenly very conscious of ready.” He touched the old sword at danger. his side. “Up to us, then.” “What is it, old friend?” Pym almost forgot himself as he

17 gasped, “We might be outnumbered, not newly pressed and confused lands- sir!” men. They were used to danger, day Bolitho peered at the slimy piles. in and day out. The sea, the weather, He was wearing his best uniform. It the enemy. It was what they were would not remain so for very long. trained and drilled to combat. The There were more shots, and the rights and wrongs of it were not their sound of screams. Then running feet, concern. They had to trust their offi- first on stones and then becoming muf- cers, and obey, no matter what. fled as they thudded along the pier. Bolitho saw the bowman more Allday muttered, “Fog’s on our side clearly now, and made out the shape of this time!” the pier beyond the gig’s bows. There were more shouts, much Feet were pounding along the tarred louder now. Ozzard whispered, “I planking, and he heard some one call think some prisoners have broken out out for mercy before being hacked of the hulk, sir. They’ll kill any one down. who tries to take them again.” He gripped Midshipman Pym’s arm, Allday was feeling for his pistol, squeezed it until the youth gasped with then he thrust it into his belt and pain. loosed his heavy-bladed cutlass. “Now hear me, Mr. Pym!” He He lowered his voice as more cries watched the terror in his eyes retreat and screams came out of the dense fog very slowly. He could feel him shak- like souls in hell. ing, smell the fear running through “We can wait here, sir. Nobody’ll him. He would not be able to fight. be looking down in this cesspit!” “Give your dirk to another.” He saw Bolitho removed his hat and his words sink in. “There is some- touched his face as a breeze stroked thing I must ask you to do this day. his cheek and moved on to touch the Do you understand, Mr. Pym? Answer dark water beside the boat. “The fog me.” is changing sides, old friend.” He Could this really be sunlight break- drew his sword and tossed the scab- ing through? It did not seem possible bard onto the bottom boards. The men or fair. at the oars had to lean aft to hear him Pym nodded loosely, as if his neck as he said, “A wind is rising. Up there were already broken. are the King’s enemies. So too are “Yes, sir.” they ours.” “Good, this is what I want...” He stood with care and grasped one Bolitho balanced himself on a filthy of the rusting mooring rings. One slip cross-beam, gauging the moment, not here and you would more likely die of even sure how long it had been since poisoning than drowning. It was for- the first shot, the sudden threat of dan- tunate that these were seasoned sailors, ger.

18 He glanced down at the gig’s crew, seamen who had been caught by the men he barely knew. Would they cast press earlier and had been released by off and leave him to his own re- others, common felons awaiting sen- sources? It sounded as if there were a tence or punishment. One, at the rear, lot of people on the pier: anything was hopping in leg-irons, trying to might happen. Whoever they were, keep up with his fellow prisoners. they were not having it all their own A few uniformed figures were way. There was a clash of steel, and a retreating from the yelling, oncoming hoarse voice trying to rally some last mob, and Bolitho guessed that they authority as they retreated along the were some of the local Marine Police pier. he had heard mentioned. He took a One sword, three cutlasses and a deep breath and heaved himself midshipman’s dirk. It was not much upright on the pier, his small party of of a force. It might only delay the seamen clambering after him, their inevitable, when their corpses would cutlasses very bright in the watery sun- follow the wretched watchman down- shine. stream. “Stand fast there!” Bolitho saw the He said sharply, “Remember, lads. few Marine Police falter as he yelled. Those of you in the boat, make as “In the King’s name, I order you to much noise as you can. I want them to surrender!” think a whole squadron is come upon From the gig below the pier he them!” Nobody laughed, or even heard the stroke oarsman bellow, spoke. “Huzza! Huzza, lads! Let’s be at the Bolitho glanced at Allday. “Take buggers!” care, John.” Then without further The effect was instant as men skid- delay he was scrambling up and over ded to a halt, and one even threw his the pier, his fingers slipping on filthy weapon, a boarding axe, into the river. weed, the old sword dangling from his Without daring to turn his head wrist. It was like a curtain rising, the Bolitho knew it was Midshipman Pym sudden shafts of pale sunshine making who had just climbed onto the pier at it all the more unreal, and half blind- his back. ing him as he threw his leg up and Some one yelled, “There’s but a few over the massive timber. of ‘em, you bloody hounds! Cut ‘em Bolitho had boarded enough ships down!” Like a small tide the front of in all circumstances to recognize the crowd surged forward again. instantly what was happening, the first Bolitho parried a boarding pike to time when he had been no older than one side and hacked down another the terrified Pym. man who had been caught momentari- It was more of a mob than a con- ly offguard by his fine uniform. He trolled attack. Some were obviously saw others moving out on either side.

19 It could not last much longer. “Commodore Bolitho, if you please.” Only Pym could save them now. There were uniforms all around There was a sharp bang of a pistol now, and the prisoners were being han- and then Pym staggered, his hands to dled roughly as they were hustled back his chest, before falling face down on towards the nearest houses. Bolitho the worn planks. allowed himself to be assisted down to Bolitho saw men staring and point- the gig where he turned and called, ing, the madness suddenly gone out of “You may get up, Mr. Pym. That was them. Allday roared, “By God, an excellent performance!” they’ve killed a King’s officer! There was a chorus of shouts and They’re done for now!” laughs as the embarrassed midshipman One of the Marine Police, his fore- got to his feet. head bleeding from a deep cut, stared Bolitho recovered his scabbard and with disbelief as more weapons went climbed over to one of the police into the river or clattered onto the pier. boats, Allday and little Ozzard follow- He gasped, “There really are only a ing him like conquerors. few of you,sir!” Later when they were landed at the He gestured wildly as the breeze Wapping Marine Police station, they rolled the fog away to reveal his world were met by the two senior officers, a of wharves, moored vessels and ware- Mr. John Harriott and the Chief houses. Men were lining many of the Surveyor. Mr. Armstrong. ships, astonished by the spectacle as The latter was heard to say, “We several boats pulled briskly from the were of course expecting you, retreating fog, to spill armed police Commodore Bolitho, although doubt- onto the shingle and mud, while from less we all imagined it would be in a the inner end of the pier others already less spectacular fashion! I will arrange blocked all retreat for those who had a fast carriage to the Admiralty imme- made their own trap for themselves. diately!” His mouth twitched as he Some of the escaped prisoners were regarded Bolitho’s filthy breeches and pulling away from the main body on mud-covered coat, from which one the pier. Protesting, pleading, trying to epaulette was missing. “Perhaps we demonstrate that they had had no part can put you to rights before you in this murder. leave?” One of the senior Marine Police But Bolitho was gazing at the sand officers said, “That was bravely done, and shingle that covered his shoes. He Captain! I am sorry indeed for the tested the ground with his foot. loss of so young an officer. But for It was not much, but it was you, I fear all my patrol would have England. He was back. perished.” Allday watched his face and Allday corrected him politely. grinned. He had never thought he

20 Manning the Navy would ever be grateful to the forces of law and order. But this time was dif- ferent. An’ that’s no error.

21