The Threat in the East (The Merriman Chronicles Book 3) by Burnage Roger

Author:Burnage, Roger [Burnage, Roger]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2014-01-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18 – Escort leaves convoy

The next evening, after a convivial dinner of roast chicken and such vegetables as were still available, followed by a new dessert, an Indian concoction prepared as a result of Peters and the cook visiting the Governor’s kitchen as he had suggested, all captains were full and feeling happy with their world, including Lieutenant Anderson, captain of the sloop Clive which had been sailing far ahead of the convoy. Anderson had heard the gunfire but arrived back too late to help. Lieutenants David Andrews and Alfred Shrigley and the ship’s three midshipmen were there also, the midshipmen filling themselves with food as fast as they could.

“Upon my word Alfred,” said Merriman, “I think you will have a new contender for the eating title that you had when you were a midshipman. Mr. Small seems to exceed even your capacity. Now Mr. Green, if you can leave that chicken leg alone for long enough I believe it is for you to propose the Loyal Toast.” “Y-y-Yes Sir” squeaked the boy fumbling for his glass. “The King, Gentlemen.” As the time had not yet come when a king had decreed that the navy could drink his toast sitting down, all stood and raised their glass, the taller ones standing awkwardly with bent heads beneath the deckhead.

When all were settled, Merriman cleared his throat and said, “I think the time has come when we shall have to part company, Gentlemen. The convoy is now past the worst piracy area and keeping well to the east of Madagascar you should have no more trouble. If you two Indiamen can stay with the convoy at least until it reaches the Cape, your appearance as well armed frigates would have the desired effect. After that it should then be safe.”

“Why must we part now Sir?” asked one of the Indiaman captains.

“Because I have an even more urgent matter to attend to Sir,” and Merriman told them all about the Napoleonic threat to India and the possibility of Tipu building a fleet. “So you see there is more that I must do to find out what I can of that matter, and do what I can to disrupt any shipbuilding.” Of course the officers of the marine knew all about it but neither of the two captains of the Indiamen did and they were shocked at the news.

And so it was arranged for the following day. The convoy hove to while boats rowed busily between them. All captains of the convoy were told why the escort was leaving them and apart from a few grumbles they accepted it. The afternoon found the two frigates, the sloop and the brig on their way back to Bombay with at least fourteen days sailing to get there. Merriman was relieved of the responsibility of the convoy but he was still desperately worried about Merryweather and Gupta on their spying expedition.

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