Passage to Mutiny Read Online Free PDF Page B

James Raymond, and his wife were passengers.
    He turned from the glittering lights and reflected stars. They had gone cold.
    â€œRouse the master, Thomas. Find out the first possible moment we can proceed. I’ll warp her clear with boats if need be. It may be a false alarm. Eurotas might have put into an island for water or wood. Or she could have been becalmed as we have often enough.”
    Herrick was studying him, his eyes very still.
    He said, “Doubtful.”
    Bolitho walked past him, touching the chairs without feeling them, and the old sword which hung on the bulkhead, where Allday watched over it like a keeper.
    He continued, “Sayer will be sending the courier brig when she returns, and the governor will despatch two small schooners to the north and east.”
    â€œLike a needle in a haystack, sir.”
    Bolitho swung on his heels. “I know that, damn it! But we must do something!”
    He saw the instant look of surprise and hurt on Herrick’s homely features and added, “I’m sorry. Too much wine.” Herrick would have to know sooner or later. Bolitho thrust the papers across the table. “Read them for yourself.” He walked to the door and said to the sentry, “Call the midshipman-of-the-watch. I want all officers in the cabin without delay.” He turned aft again and saw Herrick watching him.
    Bolitho said simply, “I know, Thomas. I even know what you have been thinking. But it was five years ago. A long while to remember.”
    Herrick eyed him grimly. “Aye, sir. If you say so. I’ll go and assemble the officers outside and bring them in together.” He left the cabin.
    Bolitho sat down on the bench seat and after a slight hesitation drew the watch from his pocket. It was a very good timepiece, made by Mudge and Dutton, and it had a neat cylinder escapement and a firm, air-tight guard.
    He saw none of these things, but clicked open the guard to read the engraved inscription on the inside.
Conquered, on a couch alone I lie,
Once in dream’s deceit you came to me,
All dreams outstripped, if only thou were nigh!
    He closed the guard and thrust it into his pocket. His head and mind were quite clear, and when his officers filed into the cabin they saw nothing to make them believe he was in any way different. Except for Herrick, and he could do nothing about it.

2 I SOLATION
    B OLITHO paused on the companion ladder and allowed his eyes time to adapt to the harsh glare.
    It was almost eight bells, with the men of the forenoon watch listlessly assembled below the quarterdeck rail to make the changeover.
    Bolitho had been on deck two hours earlier, as was his habit. Then, even with the sure knowledge of another scalding day to come, it had seemed refreshing and alive. There had been a dampness on canvas and rigging to add to the deception, but now the sun’s heat had expanded and magnified, and as he stepped on to the quarterdeck he found himself wondering just how long they could continue searching for the Eurotas.
    Since leaving Sydney they had made good two thousand five hundred miles. Nearer three thousand with all the changes of tack and the maddening perversity of the wind. Herrick had remarked that it felt twenty times that much.
    Three weeks of searing heat and endless, empty miles.
    Bolitho squinted his eyes to try and see beyond the gently pitching bowsprit, but the glare was already so fierce that the sea appeared as polished silver without division between it and the sky.
    Slowly he examined the set of each sail. Drawing, but only just, with the yards braced round to hold the vessel on a starboard tack.
    He heard the master’s mate report to Lieutenant Borlase, “The watch is aft, sir.”
    Then Borlase’s heels squeaked as he crossed the deck, his shoes clinging to the hot pitch between the seams.
    Both he and Keen, who was relieving him, were well aware that their captain was present, but were used enough to his