Bolitho #08 - Command a King's Ship by Alexander Kent

Author:Alexander Kent [Kent, Alexander]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General, Historical, War & Military, Unknown, Sea Stories
ISBN: 9780935526509
Google: l9YqVNHCzXIC
Amazon: 0935526501
Publisher: McBooks Press
Published: 1973-01-01T23:00:00+00:00

Herrick watched the little tableau doubtfully. `Better to await the Bedford, surely? With troops and more cannon we would stand a better chance.'

`That is what Le Chaumareys will be thinking.' He smiled, his face suddenly very young. `At least, I hope that is so!'

Herrick groped for his hat, glad of something to occupy his mind and to hold back the apprehension Bolitho's news had brought.

`Will we leave Bellairs and his marines?'

`Half of them. There is much to be done. With corpses lying unburied, the place is a dunghill. The defences are stout, but in need of good men to patrol them. Rosalind will remain also under the protection of the battery, such as it is. I think her master is eager to get clear of this place, but Conway is more than a match for him.'

Herrick moved towards the door. `It is not what I was expecting, sir.'

`Nor I. But like it or not, we have a duty. If Muljadi and his threat is to be overcome, then he must be seen as a common pirate.' He ran his hands along the desk top. `Argots or no!'

Herrick hurried out, his thoughts tugging in several directions at once. He found IVIudge in the wardroom staring gloomily at a plate of salt beef.

The master asked, `Are we off again, Mr. 'Errick?'

Herrick smiled. Fact soon grew from rumour in a small ship.

`Yes. The Argus is busy here, it seems. As a privateer, and not openly in the name of France.'

Mudge yawned. Unimpressed. 'Nothin' new. We used to do the same for the Company in India. A few ready muzzles always seemed to impress a doubtin' rajah if a little strength was called for.'

Herrick looked at him and sighed. `So the Frogs will back an armed uprising, and we will support the protection of trade. But what of the people in between, Mr. Mudge?'

The master pushed his plate away with disgust. `Never asked 'em!' was all he said.

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