Kydd 07 - Command by Julian Stockwin

Author:Julian Stockwin
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2011-11-25T15:29:11+00:00

Chapter 8

“Dear fellow, it was nothing! We were signalled to investigate the firing and there you were, helpless as a sucking shrimp under the guns of the Frenchy.” Winthrop, the frigate Stag’s captain, looked amiably over his glass and chuckled. “Never does to vex those who are bigger than you.”

“Aye, sir, but I must thank ye on behalf o’ the ship,” Kydd said stiffly. It had been a hard time for him during the lengthy tow to Malta coming to terms with Teazer’s hair’s-breadth escape and its implications for his future.

Winthrop sighed. “Do forgive me if I appear . . . unfeeling, Mr. Kydd, yet I am obliged to remark that my providential appearance on the scene seems as much a fortune of war as the cannon strike on your bowsprit—do you not agree?” It was nothing but the truth, Kydd had to admit. “The fortune o’ war, yes, sir—but where is m’ reputation, my prospects with th’ admiral? Sadly out o’ countenance, I’d wager.”

“Not necessarily,” Winthrop replied, topping up Kydd’s glass.

“Consider, while you are not distinguished in any measure, you have disgraced neither yourself nor your flag. If I catch your meaning aright, then unless Lord Keith at this moment has a particularly shining young officer he is desirous of advancing in the service then your position is secure . . . for the time being, of course.”

Kydd felt his spirits rising, but he could not help adding,

“ ’Twould be a fine thing if y’r same fortune c’n throw me a chance of a bold stroke as would set th’ world t’ talking—and me t’ notice.”

Winthrop regarded him soberly. “You may discover your chance earlier than you think. We are all placed in the way of opportunity. You will not have heard yet, but it seems the late and much lamented Abercrombie is to be replaced by the grand General Hely-Hutchinson. And I have it from a valued source that the Egypt campaign will therefore take a decidedly active turn. Do try to get yourself to sea as soon as you may, Kydd. I feel this is not to be missed.”

“Then, sir, you’ll see Teazer there right enough!” There was a vehemence in Kydd’s voice that evoked a frown.

“Sir, all the world applauds an officer of audacity and character—but, if you’ll forgive me remarking it, where is the line that marks off for him the aspiration to laurels from vainglory and rash imprudence?”

Receiving no answer, he let it hang, then said gently, “Distinction will attend a virtuous endeavour, never doubt it, but the pursuit of peril and hazard in the expectation of glory will damn for ever the officer who sets his course thus.” The loss of a bowsprit was catastrophic in the heat of battle, yet was an easy enough repair for a dockyard: the stump was withdrawn, the new spar stepped and the original jib-boom heeled to it. There was little other damage and therefore Teazer could look forward to getting back to sea soon.

A ship from

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