The Privateer's Revenge by Julian Stockwin

Author:Julian Stockwin [Stockwin, Julian]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Action & Adventure, Seafaring Life, Sea stories, Kydd; Thomas (Fictitious Character), Sailors
ISBN: 9781590132364
Publisher: McBooks Press
Published: 2009-01-01T13:30:00+00:00

the privateer’s Revenge

167

Renzi returned a thin smile while d’Auvergne opened a business-like chest and found a pair of heavy, intricate keys. “The records are in the crypt below. I have one key, you the only other. Be of good care, Renzi. People’s lives are in your hands with those papers.”

At Renzi’s set face he continued lightly, “Take it from me, dear fellow, it’s a quite different and wider moral framework we find ourselves in, but you will discover that being a friend to logic will extract you safely from many a sentimental mire. For example, see if you can overcome your present scruples sufficiently to detect the transcendent moral certitudes in this little exercise.

“I, as a commander, have several thousand lives in my charge and must meet the foe on the battlefield. If I can convince the enemy commander that my attack will come by course A when, in fact, I will come by B, there will be at the close of that day perhaps some hundreds fewer widows left to grieve. How might this best be brought about?”

Renzi shook his head, even more uncomfortable in this world of shades and compromise.

“Well, here is one sure way. Do you charge a brave man with dispatches, emphasising their grave nature and enjoining their safe delivery by all means. He is not to know their false nature and when he is betrayed and valiantly defends them, even to the death, the enemy will be convinced of their authenticity and act accordingly.”

With a tight smile he concluded, “So, of course, many lives are saved for the one expended. You really cannot argue against that, Renzi.”

And, to his anguish, he found he could not. These were moral quicksands of a kind he had never been forced to confront before, and their serious considering would occupy him painfully for some time to come.

“I would find it . . . difficult, sir. Er, may I know what action 16

Julian Stockwin

you intend in respect of the letter?” It was something he could test d’Auvergne with.

“Stofflet, you mean. All actions must be considered, of course—

but pray tell, what do you yourself propose, Renzi?”

“He must be stopped, of course. Taken up as a spy?” He remembered the kind, bald-headed baker from whom he had begged bread. Now he knew that the man was married happily, with children he expected to see soon.

“For a public demonstration in these fevered times that there are spies in our midst? I think not.”

“An assassination?” Renzi said neutrally.

“Goodness me, no! Crass barbarism and not to be countenanced by a civilised nation.”

“Then taken up quietly and a strict parole demanded before banishment?” Renzi suggested boldly, remembering d’Auvergne’s words about brave men suffering death undeservedly.

“Perhaps not. I rather think he must meet with an unfortunate accident.”

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