In Gallant Company Read Online Free

received information that the expected convoy from Halifax is likely to be attacked. It is a large assembly of vessels with an escort of two frigates and a sloop-of-war. But in this weather the ships could become scattered, some might endeavour to close with the land to ascertain their bearings.’ His fingers changed to a fist. ‘
That
is when our enemy will strike.’
    Bolitho leaned forward, ignoring the sodden discomfort around his waist.
    Pears continued, ‘I was saying as much to Mr Cairns. You cannot
win
a defensive war. We have the ships, but the enemyhas the local knowledge to make use of smaller, faster vessels. To have a chance of success we must command and keep open every trade route, search and detain any suspected craft, make our presence felt. Wars are not finally won with ideals, they are won with powder and shot, and
that
the enemy does not have in quantity.
Yet
.’ He looked around their faces, his eyes bleak. ‘The Halifax convoy is carrying a great deal of powder and shot, cannon too, which are intended for the military in Philadelphia and here in New York. If just one of those valuable cargoes fell into the wrong hands we would feel the effects for months to come.’ He looked round sharply. ‘Questions?’
    It was Sparke who rose to his feet first.
    â€˜Why us, sir? Of course, I am most gratified to be putting to sea in my country’s service, to try and rectify some –’
    Pears said heavily, ‘
Please
get on with the bones of the matter.’
    Sparke swallowed hard, his scar suddenly very bright on his cheek.
    â€˜Why not send frigates, sir?’
    â€˜Because there are not enough, there never
are
enough. Also, the admiral feels that a show of strength might be of more value.’
    Bolitho stiffened, as if he had missed something. It was in the captain’s tone. Just the merest suggestion of doubt. He glanced at his companions but they seemed much as usual. Perhaps he was imagining it, or seeking flaws to cover up his earlier discomfort under Pears’ tongue.
    Pears added, ‘Whatever may happen this time, we must never drop our vigilance. This ship is our first responsibility, our main concern at all times. The war is changing from day to day. Yesterday’s traitor is tomorrow’s patriot. A man who responded to his country’s call,’ he shot a wry smile at Sparke, ‘is now called a Loyalist, as if he and not the others was some sort of freak and outcast.’
    The master, Erasmus Bunce, stood up very slowly, his eyes peering beneath a deckhead beam like twin coals.
    â€˜A man must do as he be guided, sir. It is for God to decide who be right in this conflict.’
    Pears smiled gravely. Old Bunce was known to be veryreligious, and had once hurled a sailor into Portsmouth harbour merely for taking the Lord’s name into a drunken song.
    Bunce was a Devonian, and had gone to sea at the age of nine or ten. He was now said to be over sixty, but Pears could never picture him ever being young at all.
    He said, ‘Quite so, Mr Bunce. That was well said.’
    Cairns cleared his throat and eyed the master patiently. ‘Was that all, Mr Bunce?’
    The master sat down and folded his arms. ‘It be enough.’
    The captain gestured to Foley. No words seemed to be required here, Bolitho thought.
    Glasses and wine jugs followed, and then Pears said, ‘A toast, gentlemen. To the ship, and damnation to the King’s enemies!’
    Bolitho watched Probyn looking round for the jugs, his glass already emptied.
    He thought of Pears’ voice when he had spoken of the ship. God help George Probyn if he put her on a lee shore after taking too many glasses.
    Soon after that the meeting broke up, and Bolitho realized that he had still got no closer to the captain than by way of a reprimand.
    He sighed. When you were a midshipman you thought a lieutenant’s life was in some sort of heaven. Maybe even captains