Betrayal and Mutiny by Comer Perry

Author:Comer, Perry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: paccom
Published: 2023-09-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Captain Joshua Miller commanded the Franklin. He was a short, lean man of twenty-seven, fair–haired and beardless. “I’m to aid you in every way I can. I count it an honor.”

“You are most gracious, Captain Miller, I do not intend to make myself a burden. As soon as I am back on my pins, I intend to resume my command of Wessex.”

“As would I, were our roles reversed, but until then, my command and I are at your disposal. Mister Custer will come aboard before noon to speak with you and I expect he will have orders for me.”

The first lieutenant’s cabin was small but adequate for his needs. He slept very well; it was a tonic to be back afloat. The steady rocking of the ship lulled him to sleep almost instantly. Jensen, the ship’s surgeon, arrived just after dawn and cleaned the wound and announced that it was healing nicely.

“I will go on deck,” Donland announced after the surgeon departed.

Newman did not question or caution.

Donland walked the length of the deck and returned to the quarterdeck. It was the best he had felt since his wounding. The sun was hot, and he was sweating but he ignored both the sun and the sweat, he stood at the larboard railing gazing out at the anchored ships and the boats scurrying to and fro. “Where was Wessex?” he whispered.

Sumerford met Donland in Miller’s cabin, Miller was not present, only Donland, Sumerford and Newman.

They shook hands, both men beamed at seeing one another.

Sumerford asked, “How is it with you?”

“I’ll mend and quicker now that I’m afloat. My strength is not yet returned but I’m better today than I have been ashore. What of you?”

“I would prefer to be at home rather than these thousands of miles from it. But, like you, when duty is forced upon me, I answer. My president, at the request of your king, has tasked me with a difficult task. One of which you are vaguely aware, I trust? Shall we sit and have a something to drink, I’m sure Captain Miller will not mind.”

“Aye, Newman!”

Newman rose from his chair and found two glasses and a bottle of whiskey.

Donland stated, “To answer your question, yes, I believe some French plot.”

“I thought you would see it as that. However, it is a plot not sanctioned by King Louis. It is the making of revolutionaries.”

“Gold?”

“Yes, the Spanish have it, and the revolutionaries need it to continue their plans. They are going to great lengths to get it and taking great risks.”

Donland mused, “The taking of Wessex and killing me?”

“Yes, that seems so.”

“Do you know where she is bound?”

“Not for certain, but I hope to gain that bit of information. My guess, however, is that she was sent away and is to wait for instructions. Her location does not concern me; it is what she is intends to do later than is of concern. The Spanish authorities are being uncooperative and are reluctant to divulge any information. They seemed unconcerned, saying that any attempts to attack their treasure ships would be rebuffed handily.

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