Cat Island (Privateers & Gentlemen) by Walter Jon Williams

Author:Walter Jon Williams [Williams, Walter Jon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: new orleans, War of 1812, history, sea adventure, history, pirate, louisiana, american history, invasion, andrew jackson, naval history, us navy, war of 1812, sea adventure, privateer, battle of new orleans, daniel todd patterson
Publisher: Walter Jon Williams
Published: 2018-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Favian came aboard Malachi’s Revenge to the twitter of bosun’s pipes and the clatter of swords and muskets raised to the salute: Gideon was still intent on outdoing the Navy at its own spit and polish. Favian uncovered gravely to the salutes, seeing Gideon standing by the helm. His face was grimmer than usual; clearly something unfortunate had occurred.

“Lieutenant Cunningham and Gunboat Number 5 are ready to weigh on our signal,” Gideon said as they exchanged salutes. Patterson had agreed he could spare his one uncommitted gunboat for the Cat Island expedition. “Fontenoy and the Franklin are ready as well. Mr. Clowes is trying to recruit crew for the Musquetobite and will join us if he can.”

“Very well.” It had been settled that Gideon’s ex-British sloop of war Musquetobite, when fully crewed, would go to Finch Martin with Clowes as his lieutenant, but Martin had insisted on remaining with Gideon’s tern schooner as long as action was in the offing.

“The pilot is aboard,” Gideon said, his mouth tightened into a grim line. “I think you’d better see him.”

“Very well.” Favian followed Gideon down the aft scuttle and down the short passage to the captain’s cabin. He opened the door and stepped inside. The pilot, who had been waiting within, stood and bowed.

“Captain Laffite,” said Favian, “you surprise me.”

Jean Laffite, dressed again in solemn black, grinned pleasantly. “The safe-conduct is good for anyone, no?” he asked. “Don’t worry, I was discreet. I came downriver in a pirogue just at dawn; I was not seen.”

“General Jackson,” said Favian, “will be aboard shortly. I cannot guarantee what he will say or do.”

“I should think,” Laffite said, “that you and he would be pleased to have me along. I stand ready to back up my words with my life. If I am deceiving you about Cat Island, you may inflict whatever penalty you wish.”

“The United States Navy,” said Favian stiffly, “does not take hostages. We are not Turks, sir.”

“I most humbly beg your pardon,” Laffite said, bowing again. “I was merely trying to point out that my presence is meant to be reassuring.”

Plus, Favian thought, his being with the government forces moving on Cat Island would not go unnoticed by the rebel pirates. Rebel against the Laffites’ authority, the gesture would say, and you not only face their vengeance but that of the legitimate authorities as well. But he only said, “Your apology is accepted, sir.”

“I heard this morning of your marriage, Captain Markham,” Laffite said. “May I offer my most sincere congratulations? The bride is a lovely girl; I’m sure you will be well suited to one another.”

“Thank you, Captain Laffite,” Favian said, wondering if he detected a hint of irony behind Laffite’s black-eyed smile. No, he thought, he was seeing his own misgivings in the pirate’s face; the man was being sincere.

There was a shout on deck that echoed down the skylight, and Favian turned to his cousin. “More guests, Gideon.”

Gideon’s eyes glanced disapprovingly from Favian to Laffite, then back. “Aye,” he said, and led the way from his cabin.

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