Behind the Lines by David J Blackmore

Author:David J Blackmore [Blackmore, David J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Brindle Books Ltd
Published: 2023-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The day after making his arrangements with Tavares, Michael once again rode out to Belem with Lloyd. For once, the rain had stopped, and with all the dust laid low, the air was warm and clear. At Belem Michael was pleased to hear that the uniforms had at last arrived, and he was taken to see them. Thirty six bales, each weighing ninety pounds were stacked up in a store house. He carefully checked that everything was there and that all the packing and seals were intact.

The same commissary officer dealt with him that had refused to help with transport. He grumpily advised Michael that if he went to see Deputy Commissary Dunmore, he would tell him about the transport arrangements.

Dunmore seemed to be pleased to see Michael. “Come in Mister Roberts, come in. I hear that your new uniforms have arrived, now, let me see, transport for you.” He started shuffling though papers, without success. “Ellis!” he called out. “Where are the transport arrangements for the Sixteenth’s uniforms?”

Ellis rushed forward with a sheet of paper. “Here you are, Mister Dunmore, a brigade of two dozen mules, sir, eighteen for the bales, the rest for fodder for the brigade.” Ellis gave the paper to Dunmore, gave Michael a smile, “Pleasure to see you again, Lieutenant,” and rushed back to his desk.

Dunmore looked over the paper. “Yes, this is in order. You should be able to leave in, oh, five days, I think.” He beamed at Michael, and spoke conspiratorially in a low voice. “Quicker than we usually manage, Mister Roberts, but for a friend...” He left any more unsaid. “Now,” his voice returned to its normal volume, “if you would care to return tomorrow, we can over the details in more detail, give you the name of the mule train captain, and so on.”

“Thank you, Mister Dunmore,” Michael replied, “and you can be assured that I shall remember your help, and mention it where it needs.” At this meaningless blandishment Dunmore looked even happier, and Michael made his exit.

Lloyd had been waiting patiently with Rodrigo and Johnny in the shade of a huge chestnut tree. “Let’s go home, Lloyd. There’s nothing more to do here until tomorrow. Dunmore thinks we should be away in five days.”

Lloyd smiled. “Duw, another five days of Senhora Santiago’s cooking, and a proper bed, that will not be a hardship, sir.”

They rode in to the back entrance of the house, to be met by Parra at the stables. Michael left him and Lloyd to take care of the horses, and walked up to the house. Inside, Senhor Santiago presented him with a letter that had been delivered. Michael found that he had been invited to a ball at Senhora Lourenco’s house in three days’ time. He wondered who else might be there. It was, however, only two days before he was due to set off to return to the Regiment. From that fact he could take a certain amount of security, he could easily fend off any subsequent social invitation.

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