Heart of Oak by Kent Alexander & Reeman Douglas

Author:Kent, Alexander & Reeman, Douglas [Kent, Alexander & Reeman, Douglas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Action & Adventure, Fiction, _rt_yes, Historical, Napoleonic Wars; 1800-1815, Naval Battles - History - 18th Century, __Fixed
ISBN: 9781590132913
Publisher: McBooks Press
Published: 2007-12-03T05:00:00+00:00

Lieutenant Vincent strode across the quarterdeck and touched his hat.

“No change, sir. The schooner’s holding the same course. No extra sails set.” He breathed deeply. It had been a long time since he had climbed to the masthead and down again, with so many eyes judging his progress.

He looked up, eyes slitted against the glare. “Wind’s serving us well enough at present.”

Adam glanced along the deck, at men off watch who would otherwise have been in their messes, in groups or wandering beneath the taut canvas and the criss-cross of rigging. All waiting. And the familiar figures, aft by the compass and wheel. The master and his mates, Midshipman Deacon with the signals party.

He said abruptly, “Did you speak with Tucker?”

“A good hand, sir. He recognized the schooner’s mood, something many would have missed.”

Adam looked up at the masthead pendant. “Send for the gunner. Time is running out.”

Vincent hesitated. “But Nautilus is making the rendezvous, sir. And she could outshoot and outsail that schooner, even if it were some kind of trick!” He looked away, then back. “Mr Maddock is standing by.”

Adam faced him. “The rendezvous is supposed to be at Aboubakr, not at sea, in open water. And yes, Nautilus can outshoot and outsail that schooner—she’d be a challenge even for us, if it came to that…” He broke off. And if I am wrong? He could see the doubt on Vincent’s face.

“You wanted me, sir?”

Onward’s gunner held his head slightly to one side as if he were afraid of missing something; he was almost deaf in one ear as the result of his trade, although few would have guessed it. Short and squarely built, he had the brightest pair of eyes Adam had ever seen in any long-serving sailor.

“The schooner that lies ahead is making for Nautilus. I believe she intends mischief of the worst kind. If the wind holds, and with your help, I will stop it.”

Maddock was nodding, his mind already busy. “Bowchasers, sir?”

Adam shook his head. Like stamping a seal on my own court martial.

“No. We will begin as soon as we are within range. You will lay and fire each gun yourself, understood?” He turned to Vincent. There was no time left for argument. “In a moment you will clear for action. Have the hands piped to quarters, no drums or show of force. They’ll know soon enough.” Their eyes met. “This is what I intend.”

Luke Jago nodded to the Royal Marine sentry and walked past the screen door and into the great cabin. All these months, years even, and he still expected some one to dispute his right of entry. The coxswain’s privilege. Some tried, but they only did it once.

There seemed to be people on deck everywhere, unwilling to go to their messes, when usually one watch would be below, washing down the noon meal with a healthy wet or even a mug of the sour red wine called Black Strap. He could feel the tension like something solid. A fight was one thing, but…

He, at least, knew what was coming.

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