A Shot Rolling Ship Read Online Free PDF

might shift them into his boats and abandon them, which is what Ralph Barclay would have done, disappeared as hiscutter and jolly boat were cast adrift to float away on the current.
    Davidge Gould, in Firefly , had reacted as Ralph Barclay knew he must, coming about to investigate gunfire that might be in some way a threat to the convoy. In doing so he would have espied both the chase and Brilliant ’s topsails and deduced what was obvious; the frigate cut the French privateer off from the shore; he must deny him a southing, his best point of sailing on the present wind, and force him to the open sea. He would also quickly smoke that it would be his ship, a better sailor on a bowline, not Brilliant , which would effect the capture. Content that all was in hand, and that nothing of import would happen for some time, Ralph Barclay and his wife could safely retire to their cabin and some privacy.
    ‘Lucky bastard,’ said one of the sailors close to the surgeon. He was not addressing Lutyens, but a fellow tar. ‘Every man jack aboard horned up and Barclay’s the only one that can ease it.’
    ‘It is a matter of some curiosity to me,’ opined Lutyens, to no one in particular, ‘that sailors, who from their conversation and behaviour when ashore are a salacious bunch, do not travel aboard in quantity the means to assuage their lust. It would be better if half the crew were females.’
    That got him several looks, not all benign, for he was an anomaly on board every bit as unusual as the captain’s wife; over-qualified for his post, always prying into matters that were held to be outside his province, a stranger tothe ways of the service, and scribbling in that little book that was ever with him. Those looks were sharply curtailed when a grinning sailor responded.
    ‘We do, your honour. Ain’t you never heard the term all hands to the pump.’
    ‘Belay that,’ barked Digby, ‘and get on about your duties.’
    Lutyens heard the parting shot as the fellow replied softly. ‘There you go mate, only sinners aboard reside before the mast. It’s all saintly purity in the gunroom with hands clasped in prayer.’
    ‘Mr Lutyens,’ said Digby, coming close enough so that only the surgeon would hear him. ‘It does not do to excite the crew.’
    Lutyens, surprised, looked even more like a fish than usual, his eyes larger and that thin curled hair blown back by the breeze. ‘I was not aware that it was I who excited them, rather that it was the captain’s clear intentions towards his wife. As to the means of release, which that fellow alluded to, it is to my mind an activity to be heartily recommended. I myself employ it frequently, as I am sure you do.’
    Digby’s cheeks were red from the wind; the deeper reddening that suddenly suffused his face had nothing to do with that.
     
    A half hour later Barclay came back on deck alone, keenly examined by every one who could look at him without being observed, though only the good Lord could say why,for there was no discernable change in his appearance. He picked up his telescope, trained on the quarry, then said:
    ‘Bow chasers, Mr Digby.’
    ‘Sir.’ The order being passed on, Digby asked, ‘Do you wish to clear for action?’
    ‘No. The fellow has ditched what little armament he has. A couple of shots over his bows should bring him too.’
    ‘Might I recommend we issue some muskets, sir?’
    ‘The marines have sufficient, Mr Digby. Let’s get them up into the bows so our friend yonder can see what is coming.’
    Firefly must have been waiting for the senior vessel to fire. As soon as a ball from Brilliant left the frigate’s larboard chaser, a great plume of smoke was seen to blow away from the other escort’s bow.
    ‘Well, this fellow is no hero,’ snorted Barclay, as the tricolour flag at the masthead of the ship they were pursuing was immediately run down. ‘Not even a musket shot for his honour.’

CHAPTER THREE
    The routine aboard Griffin swiftly assumed a