Bolitho 07 - Passage to Mutiny by Alexander Kent

Author:Alexander Kent
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780099493938
Publisher: Arrow
Published: 1976-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

10

Too Much Courage

'Fix your bayonets!'

Herrick gritted his teeth to contain his impatience as Prideaux brought the marines into a single line, while further along the uneven slope Finney's militia were following their example, faces tight with concentration.

The air shook to the sudden boom of cannon, and Herrick knew the hidden battery had opened fire. The gunners would be able to see Tempest beyond the point, even though it still hid all but her topmasts from Herrick.

Prideaux snapped, 'Advance!' His slim hanger shone in the sunlight, moving from side to side like a steel tongue as he strode through the scrub and sun-dried stones.

More shots, and before he followed the main part of his men towards the burning huts Herrick turned and watched the waterspouts rising like spectres on the frigate's shadow as she continued to force the inlet.

His mind repeated warnings and dreads, so that for precious seconds he could only stand and punish himself with what he saw. The inlet was too narrow. The ship would strike. She might be pounded into submission without even sighting her executioners.

He swore savagely. He was here, not on the quarterdeck where he belonged. He shouted, 'Fast as you can!'

Then with the others he was running and stumbling down the slope, the marines starting to cheer like madmen as they charged into the drifting smoke and sparks.

If they could overwhelm just one of those guns they could train it towards the others. The shock of an attack from behind might cause enough confusion and give Bolitho the diversion he desperately needed.

A seaman fell kicking and clasping his head, blood soaking his hair and shoulders. Herrick stared at him as seamen and marines faltered or blundered against each other in the choking smoke.

Then, as if to a signal, the air was filled with flying rocks and sharper pieces of stone. Herrick heard them hitting flesh and bone, men cursing and staggering while they tried to see their attackers.

Prideaux shouted, 'Look! Across that clearing!' He raised a pistol and fired. 'Natives from the village!'

More stones hurtled through the smoke, and two men fell, knocked senseless.

Midshipman Pyper crouched beside Herrick, his teeth bared. 'What are they attacking us for? We're here to help!' He sounded more angry than frightened.

Herrick raised his pistol and fired, feeling nothing as a dark figure cartwheeled down the slope and through the charred wall of the hut.

'They think we're all the same!'

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