Hornblower's Legacy 01 Hornblower and the Island by James Keffer

Author:James Keffer [Keffer, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781950586936
Google: i0-uzgEACAAJ
Publisher: Penmore Press LLC
Published: 2021-09-21T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“Beg pardon, My Lord, but Admiral Lord Cochrane wishes to be announced.”

The Lord Governor Hornblower looked up from his work at his aide’s knock. Mr. Brewer stood back to allow the Admiral entry, and Horatio rose and came around his desk. He knew of Cochrane by reputation, but had never met him.

“Hornblower! Good to meet you at last!” Cochrane roared as he strode into the room and grasped Hornblower’s outstretched hand. The governor found himself facing a legend of the Royal Navy. Cochrane had a lean build but was shorter than Hornblower by a good three inches. His dark hair was beginning to gray at the temples, although nothing seemed to dim the fire in his eyes.

“The honor is mine, Lord Cochrane,” Horatio replied. He indicated the chairs by the window. As the two men sat, he said, “Admiral, is it now? Congratulations! I had not heard.”

Cochrane smiled slightly and folded his hands in his lap. “That’s because the promotion is not in the Royal Navy. I have been invited by the Chilean leader Bernard O’Higgins to take command of the Chilean Navy in their war of independence from the Dons, and the commission is from them.”

“I see. What can I do for you?”

“I arrived this morning on the East Indiaman, and I have about a week before my connection arrives. I was rather hoping you could arrange for an interview with Boney for me. I have an idea I wanted to discuss with him.”

“A meeting can certainly be arranged,” Hornblower said, trying unsuccessfully to hold down his curiosity. “What kind of plan, if I may ask?”

Cochrane looked at him and said, “Will my answer alter my chances of seeing Bonaparte?”

“Admiral Cochrane,” Hornblower said, careful to keep his voice neutral, “I have long wanted to meet you. Your exploits aboard HMS Speedy and HMS Imperieuse made you a terror to our enemies, so much so that the French nicknamed you ‘le loup de mer’—the Sea Wolf. However, your conviction in the stock market scandal of 1814, coupled with your showing up here with an admiral’s commission in a foreign navy, is sufficient reason for me to inquire as to your plans. What do you intend to discuss with Bonaparte?”

Cochrane was silent for almost a full minute before replying. He looked at Hornblower—a gaze which was returned unflinchingly—then looked out the window. Finally, he sighed heavily and turned back to Hornblower.

“I suppose I cannot blame you for thinking that way. Were I in your shoes, I would be curious, just as you are. I will offer you a bargain, as I believe this is a plan best told only once. If you will arrange the meeting with Boney, I will agree to allow you to attend. I shall most likely need an interpreter in any case, and your French has to be better than mine. Will that suit you?”

Horatio considered the proposition carefully before making his decision. “Very well, I accept your proposal. But I trust you will say nothing to make my job any harder than it already is.

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