Privateer, The by Jeff Thomas

Author:Jeff Thomas [Thomas, Jeff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical Fiction, War & Military, United States, American Revolution
ISBN: 9798423322014
Google: V5X3zgEACAAJ
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC - KDP Print US
Published: 2022-02-27T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19 A Slow Chase

Venus ran downwind as fast as her ravaged sails and rigging could carry her. Astern, the Royal sloop's crew worked frantically to repair their damaged mast. Ahead of Venus, Marcus reefed his sails, slowing his ship to allow Venus to catch up. Benjamin did not necessarily agree with that decision, but he appreciated the support. Meanwhile, Garibaldi sent men aloft to repair the damage there, promising he would have the ship repaired "in no time."

Benjamin supposed that his casualties could be worse, but he had seven dead and thirteen wounded.

"Begging your pardon, sir," O'Reilly said as he walked up, "but if you're going to thrash yourself over the cost, you should find a new line of work. If naught else, the look on your face is disturbing."

"I know," Benjamin said, "but I don't have to like it."

"It's good that you don't."

"Are the guns all right? Do we have enough ammunition?"

"Fine on both counts. No damage to the guns. We have as much powder and shot as we're likely to need."

Benjamin looked aft at the sloop.

"I hope we don't need any."

"Aye, if Mr. Garibaldi can patch our sails, we can make our escape while yon ship is fixing his mast. I've given as many men as I can spare to the effort, but I need to clean up the gun bores--just in case."

"Yes, thank you," Benjamin answered distractedly, still thinking about his hurt men. Then he straightened up.

"No, I mean that. I know the two of you will do the best you can without me bothering you."

An hour and a half later, Venus drew close to Mary Jane. A few miles astern, the Royal sloop set sail and turned to give chase.

"I had hoped to speak with Mr. Cunningham privately," Benjamin mused to O'Reilly and Garibaldi, who were standing with him on the quarterdeck. "However, I don't see any chance of that."

"No time to talk, " Garibaldi replied, "Mr. Cunningham knows his business."

"I'm concerned the regular crew aboard our prize might get ... restless if that sloop gets too close. We didn't defeat it; we slowed it down so we could make an escape."

"I don't know," O'Reilly said, "if they're like most sailors, they think only of their pay and rum. I doubt they care much who is providing either."

Benjamin laughed. "You don't hold our men in high regard."

O'Reilly shrugged. "Is it any different ashore? Do most colonists care if they're governed from London or Philadelphia?"

"True."

"You forgot women," Garibaldi called from the base of the mainmast, where he had been supervising the work. "Why good are money and rum without our fair sisters?"

"If Mr. Cunningham was here, he'd likely point out that you wouldn't let your sister associate with a man such as yourself."

"Mr. O'Reilly!” Garibaldi yelled back, "you question my good character?"

"Of course not. You have no good character."

Several men laughed at the wordplay between their officers, then turned suddenly serious when they realized the captain was watching them.

"A happy crew," Benjamin thought, "makes for a happy ship.

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