Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War Read Online Free PDF

he_ size, sir. All of four hundred and thirty tons. But thO better the wind, the livelier she goes. You can even geU the stunsails and royals on her in anything but a truO blow." He frowned. "In a calm she can be the devil'Y daughter." He gestured vaguely. "You've probably see[ the little port alongside each gun port, sir?T
    Bolitho had not. He said slowly, "I am not too sure.T
    Buckle smiled for the first time. "If you getY becalmed you may run a sweep through each o' thosO ports, sir. Clear lower deck and get every man-jack o[ the sweeps and you can still get a knot or two out ob her.T
    Bolitho looked away. Reading the ship's books anX correspondence had not even told him the half of it. HO felt vaguely angry that his first lieutenant was still noU present. Normally the departing captain would havO been aboard to tell him the ship's behaviour anX failings, or at least the senior lieutenant?
    Buckle said, "You'll soon get the feel of her, sir. She'Y
    the best yet.T
    Bolitho eyed him thoughtfully. The master waY nobody's fool, and yet, like Graves, he seemed to bO holding back. Maybe waiting for him to display hiY strength or weakness to them?
    He made himself reply coldly, "We shall see abouU that, Mr. Buckle.T
    When he glanced up he saw the man watching hiR with sudden anxiety. He added, "Any other matter?T
    Buckle rose to his feet. "No, sir.T
    "Good. I anticipate that sailing orders will be arrivin^ shortly. I will expect the ship to be ready.T
    Buckle nodded. "Aye, sir. Have no fear.T
    Bolitho relented slightly. It was just possible his ow[ uncertainty was making him unnecessarily harsN towards his sailing master. And it was equally likely hO would need Buckle's guiding hand very much until hO got the feel of his new command?
    He said, "I have no doubt that I will be as satisfieX with your appointment as Captain Ransome was.T
    Buckle swallowed hard. "Yes, sir." He stared rounX the low cabin. "Thank you, sir.T
    The door closed behind him and Bolitho ran hiY fingers through his hair. Just a few hours since he haX climbed aboard to the squeal of pipes and already hO was beginning to feel different?
    It was all so alien to his past life when you coulX argue and compete with your companions, curse you_ captain behind his back or reveal his weakness whicN only you really understood. As from today a mere worX could bring a shutter across a man's eyes or make hiR fear for his own safety. Buckle was eighteen years hiY senior, yet at the first hint of Bolitho's displeasure haX almost cringed?
    He closed his eyes and tried to fathom out how hO should proceed. To try to be too popular was to be Z fool. To hold unswervingly to matters of discipline anX order was to be a tyrant. He recalled Colquhoun'Y words and grinned ruefully. Until you reacheX Colquhoun's lofty post-rank you could never be certai[ of anything?
    Somewhere beyond the bulkhead he heard Z challenge and a shouted reply from a boat. Then thO
    squeak of a hull alongside, the patter of feet on Z gangway. It seemed unreal and incredible that the shipB his ship, was running her affairs while he just sat herO at the table. He sighed again and stared at the pile ob papers and books. It would take longer than he haX imagined to adjust?
    There was another rap at the door and GraveY ducked inside, removing his hat and jamming it unde_ his arm as he announced, "The guardboat has jusU been alongside, sir." He held out a heavily sealeX canvas envelope. "From the flag, sir.T
    Bolitho took it and laid it carelessly on the table. HiY sailing orders without doubt, and he had to restrai[ himself from acting as he truly felt. He wanted to riS them open, to know and understand what was requireX of him?
    He saw Graves looking round the cabin, his eyeY passing swiftly over the discarded dress coat, the haU lying on the bench seat, and finally on Bolitho'Y unbuttoned shirt?
    Graves said quickly, "Will you wish me to stay, sir?T
    "No. I will inform you of their content when I have haX
    time to