Stand Into Danger by Alexander Kent

Author:Alexander Kent [Kent, Alexander]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: C429, Kat, Extratorrents, Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9780099493853
Publisher: Random House UK
Published: 2005-11-21T13:30:00+00:00

Palliser lowered his telescope and said bitterly, ‘They are better manned than I thought.’

Bolitho shaded his eyes to watch the two schooners, their big fore and aft sails like wings against the bright sky as they tacked slowly to windward of the helpless brig.

The larger of the two vessels, her canvas pock-marked by their canister-shot during the dawn engagement, was a topsail schooner. She touched off a memory and Bolitho said, ‘I think she was the one I saw leaving harbour when we were at Egmont’s house. I recognize her rig.’

‘Most probably. Not many of them in these waters.’

Palliser was studying the schooners’ methodical approach. One standing well up to windward, the other maneouvring towards the Rosarios’s larboard bow where she would be best shielded from her remaining guns. They were sturdy six-pounders, and under Little’s skilled supervision could still make a mark on anything which ventured too close.

Palliser handed Bolitho the glass. ‘See for yourself.’ He walked over to speak with the brig’s master and Slade by the compass box.

Bolitho held his breath and steadied the glass on the nearest schooner. She was weather-worn and ill-used, and he could see the many men who were staring across at the defiant, mastless brig. Some were waving their weapons, their jeers and threats lost only in distance.

He thought of the girl in the cabin, what they would do to her, and gripped his hanger so tightly that it hurt his palm.

He heard the brig’s master say, ‘I can’t argue with a King’s officer to be sure, but I’ll not answer for what may happen!’

And Slade said urgently, ‘We’ll never hold ’em, sir, and it’s not right to put it to the test!’

Palliser’s voice was flat and uncompromising. ‘What do you suggest? Wait for a miracle perhaps? Pray that Destiny will rise from the deep and save all our wretched souls?’ He did not conceal his sarcasm or his contempt. ‘God damn your eyes, Slade, I’d have expected better from you!’

He turned and saw Bolitho watching the tense little group. ‘In about fifteen minutes that cut-throat will try to grapple us. If we drive him off he will stand clear and the both of them will rake us for a while. Then they will try again. And again.’ He waved his arm slowly towards the torn decks and weary, red-eyed seamen. ‘Do you see these people holding out?’

Bolitho shook his head. ‘No, sir.’

Palliser turned away. ‘Good.’

But Bolitho had seen the expression on his face. Relief perhaps, or surprise that someone was agreeing with him in spite of the terrible odds.

Then Palliser said, ‘I am going below. I must speak with the prisoners we took from Heloise.’

Little said quietly to his friend the boatswain’s mate, ‘Them stupid clods won’t know wot side they be on, eh, Ellis?’ They both guffawed as if it was some huge joke.

Jury asked, ‘What will we do next?’

Ingrave suggested shakily, ‘Parley, sir?’

Bolitho watched the approaching schooner, the expert way her mainsail was being reset to give her a perfect heading for the last half cable.

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