Call of Empire by Peter Watt

Author:Peter Watt [Watt, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Published: 2022-10-11T07:00:50+00:00

Twenty-one

‘Were you really going to let Yuan cut the man’s throat?’ Sam asked as he sat sharing a bottle of rum with his brother in the cabin of the schooner.

‘In my experience, a man will do anything for just another second of life,’ Josiah replied. ‘Let alone the promise of a long life. I knew Rice would relent as soon as he felt the sword bite into his throat.’

Sam shook his head and took a long swig of the rum in the tin mug. ‘Now all Rice has to do is honour his word to withdraw his evidence, and we will see Lee back in our ranks.’

‘What’s this talk about Lee?’ the voice of their father asked from the narrow doorway to the main cabin. Their father was staying as a guest of the manager of the company depot in Townsville. Both Steele boys had known their father would not have approved of their operation.

‘Good morning, Father,’ Sam replied.

‘We were just saying that we hoped your efforts with the authorities have borne fruit,’ Josiah added.

‘I need a tot of what you are drinking,’ Ian said wearily, slumping down on the fixed bench beside Sam at the table. ‘So far, all that I have been able to do is visit him at the prison and provide him with promises of hope. I am afraid my influence in this colony is a bit stretched. Townsville is a long way from Brisbane and Sydney.’

Sam passed his father a spare tin cup containing the dark liquid. Ian took a swig, glancing at Josiah. ‘What occupied you two last night?’ Ian asked. ‘Ebenezer informed me that you both left the schooner for a night on the town.’

‘We chose to return early to the schooner,’ Josiah lied. ‘Not much to do in town once the pubs close.’

‘Well, I will make another visit to the gaol today to ensure that Lee is being treated fairly,’ Ian said. ‘First, I will put together a few food supplies that Lee requested for his cellmates. He informed me that, despite their crimes, he has come to befriend them.’

‘That sounds like a good idea,’ Sam said, glancing at Josiah, who retained a poker face. Both men were hoping that Rice had honoured his word and withdrawn his complaint. The next few hours would decide the outcome of their ambush.

*

Ian Steele could hardly believe what he was hearing. The gaol governor had informed him that the prisoner Lee was to be released as soon as the signed papers were delivered. For some reason, the complainant had not wished to proceed with the charge and flatly refused to provide any form of evidence.

Ian waited outside the gaol until after midday, when Lee was brought to the front gate. With a broad smile, Ian shook Lee’s hand, ushering him into the carriage.

‘It is hard to believe,’ Lee said, taking in the fresh air away from the stench of the prison. ‘I am free.’

‘Where can I take you?’ Ian asked. ‘The Ella?’

‘I would like to visit Miss O’Lachlan first,’ Lee responded.

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