Colors Aloft! by Alexander Kent

Author:Alexander Kent
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Novela, Bélico, Histórico
Publisher: ePubLibre
Published: 1986-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

10

RETRIBUTION

WITHOUT changing tack or altering course one degree Argonaute swept past the drifting French two-decker, her hull jerking violently to each resounding bang. So conscious were the gun captains of this moment that each pair of cannon sounded like a single explosion.

Bolitho swayed and almost slipped as the deck tilted into another offshore roller. He felt his nostrils flare in the acrid smoke, his ears quake to the thunder of gunfire. The attack was begun by the carronade, but at a range of almost a cable it was more of a gesture than any danger to the enemy.

Keen wiped his face as the last division of guns recoiled inboard on their tackles and men scampered to sponge out and reload. The Frenchman had been badly mauled, and smoking scars along her tumblehome marked the accuracy of the carefully aimed attack. A few guns fired in return, and one ball smashed into Argonaute’s lower hull like a mailed fist.

Some of the crews were calling to each other, racing to beat their time, to be the first to run out and be ready to fire again.

Keen watched narrowly as the Frenchman set her forecourse and then her maintopsail. She was under command, but almost beam-on to sea and wind as she fought to bear up to her attacker.

He shouted, “Ready! On the uproll, Mr Paget!” He glanced at Bolitho, just a fraction of a second, but he saw him as he always remembered. Straight-backed, facing the enemy yet now unable to see them. “Full broadside!” This might be the only time. He caught a vague glimpse of the Spanish corvette, now well astern, a helpless and astonished spectator.

More shots hammered alongside and somewhere a man screamed out in agony.

Keen held out his hanger, his eyes watering again as the sunlight warmed his face.

“Now!”

As the whistles shrilled and Argonaute’s topgallant masts began to tilt once more, the whole broadside thundered out with such violence it was like hitting a rock.

Smoke and charred wads drifted everywhere, but not before Keen had seen the broadside tear across the lessening gap, the wave-crests breaking to the force and the weight of iron.

He saw the enemy ship shiver, then sway over as the full onslaught smashed into her. Wood and rigging flew in all directions, and the labouring hull was masked by falling fragments and leaping talons of spray.

“Stop your vents! Sponge out! Load!” Paget’s voice echoed above the wind and the squeal of tackles like a clarion call.

Allday said in a sudden pause, “We hit ’em, sir! Even her canvas is shot through!” He sounded tense, slightly wild, like men usually are when battle is joined.

Bolitho held the quarterdeck rail, afraid he might lose his balance again. He thought he had heard the broadside strike home even at this range.

He said tersely, “Close the distance, Captain Keen!”

Lieutenant Stayt lowered his telescope and looked at him. He had seen Keen’s quick glance as his mind had registered Bolitho’s sharp formality.

“Alter course to starboard, Mr Fallowfield!” Keen broke

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