02 - Keane's Challenge Read Online Free PDF Page B

one of the most onerous. To have to accuse a brother officer of treason, to his face, even though he felt sure that his information was right. Heredia had sworn as much and had been acquitted on the proof. Nevertheless it rankled with him.
    ‘You want me to do this, sir?’
    ‘I can think of no one who would do it better.’
    ‘Can you tell me where I might find Colonel Pritchard?’
    Grant spoke. ‘He is attending to some paperwork, I believe. His quarters are close by, in the Rueda della Casa. When will you take him?’
    Keane nodded at Grant. ‘I’ll do it now, sir.’
    Wellington spoke. ‘He was a fine officer, you know. Connections with Ireland, I seem to recall. Joined shortly after the Egyptian affair. I would never have had cause to suspect. But Grant is convinced of his guilt.’
    Grant nodded. ‘There is no doubt in my mind, Your Grace. I would have taken him months ago.’
    ‘Yes, I am aware that it is my insistence on proof that has caused us to delay in this matter. Still, that’s in the past now. It is too late for him. The fact is that the French seem to know our moves to the extent of cheeking us by passing the news to hacks in the Strand. It must be Pritchard’s doing, and I will not have it. And I should like to see our turncoat, Keane, before he stands trial, if you will.’
    ‘Yes, Your Grace. I’ll bring him here directly.’
    They left the room and, once outside, Grant stood with himat the closed door. He was about to speak when one of the aides rushed up to him.
    ‘Major Grant, sir. May I have a word? It is a matter of some urgency.’
    He noticed Keane. ‘My apologies, Captain Keane. I must have Major Grant for a moment.’ The young man moved away with Grant, and Keane heard only the words ‘very drunken lieutenant… Portuguese lady… inexcusable… relations.’
    Keane smiled, concluding that some young fool of an officer had taken advantage of the amicable relationship between the two nations and imperilled the honour of one of their allies. He pitied the major his responsibility for such things. Knowing that Grant wished to speak to him, Keane waited, staring at the map of the Peninsula that stood propped up on a table by the hearth. It was then that he noticed Major Cavanagh. He stood close to the window, a slender man in his forties with greying brown hair tied back in a queue. As Keane looked, the major caught his eye, then smiled at him and approached.
    ‘Captain Keane, is it not?’
    Keane nodded. ‘Sir.’
    ‘Major Cavanagh. Late of St James’s.’ He looked Keane up and down and nodded. ‘We’ve heard of you, Keane. You’ve come to our attention. The prince keeps a watchful eye on the Gazette, you know. He’s taken notice of you. Oporto, weren’t it?’
    ‘Indeed, sir. I’m honoured.’
    ‘And Talavera. You’re a spy, ain’t you?’
    ‘Exploring officer, sir. Yes, sir.’
    The major nodded again. ‘You know, you’re just the sort of fellow that might profit from the prince’s patronage. He’s most generous.’
    Keane knew instantly that he was being suborned. He noddedand smiled. ‘Do you really think so, sir? How might that be.’
    ‘The prince will reward officers well who are inclined to do his express bidding. We have a task on our hands here, Captain Keane, do we not?’
    ‘Sir?’
    ‘The French, Keane. The prince is most anxious that we should engage the French with the utmost speed and defeat them. We cannot delay. Agree?’
    ‘Of course not, sir. Quite agree. I will not pass up any opportunity to engage the enemy. My men are the eyes and ears of the army. We see them first. I will ensure, sir, that as soon as we find the French I will report their position and their state.’
    Cavanagh nodded and smiled. ‘And you will, naturally, Keane. You will advise in any report you make that an immediate attack would be advantageous. For whichever general as should receive that report? Whether or not it might be the commander-in-chief.’
    ‘Naturally,