The Torrid Zone (The Fighting Sail Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

could only be a distraction to his officers and men. But that was not Caulfield's fault, nor Sarah's, come to that. The blame, and blame it must be, fell squarely on him and his weakness in thinking a wife could be anything other than a negative aspect aboard a fighting ship.
    “Deck there: I have them now!” Jackson's adolescent voice sounded hollow through the speaking trumpet, but it cut through the sound of the wind in the shrouds well enough. “Two ships, less than five miles off an' a third maybe a mile or so beyond.”
    “Bearing, if you please, Mr Jackson!” Caulfield called back.
    A pause, then the lad replied in a more considered voice.
    “East nor-east, sir. Larger one appears to be a frigate, with what might be a sloop in company. The third I cannot rightly say.”
    “What heading?” Banks called this time.
    “South, sir. Or as near as makes no difference.”
    So there were at least three ships off their larboard quarter; they were to windward and heading in roughly the same direction as Scylla . One, or even two, might be escorts to a friendly convoy although, this far outside the shipping season, that was unlikely. The second possibility was an enemy force, either merchant ships or a battle squadron; again both were improbable. Few traders would be at sea at this time of year, and France was surely too short of warships free of blockade to waste any this far south. He supposed it was possible that some devilment was being planned elsewhere; a squadron travelling so might be heading to round either the Horn or the Cape. But when he had left Spithead the rumours were of peace; besides with much of their land forces committed, and almost all naval power soundly trapped, it would be foolish of the French to waste a sizeable fleet on what must be a speculative venture. Which only left neutral shipping.
    Whale ships were the most likely; many frequented the Atlantic, if only on passage to the Pacific, which would explain their presence at this time of year. Few were of a similar size to a large frigate, but it was not unknown for them to travel with an escort. In fact the longer he thought about the possibility, the more it seemed reasonable, and when Sir Terrance made an appearance on deck, dressed in the only set of tailored oilskins aboard Scylla , Banks was in a far better frame of mind.
    “We have company, I understand, Captain,” the older man said, and it showed how fast dawn was rising that Banks could see dark shadows under the governor's eyes. It was the face of a man who had not slept well.
    “Indeed, Sir Terrance, although they should not be detaining us.”
    “I am relieved to hear it. British, are they?”
    “No, neutral; I am fairly certain. But even so we will not be diverted. In addition to yourself, Scylla is charged with despatches, and we are under orders to raise St Helena without delay.”
    “Clearly you must do exactly that, Sir Richard, although I assume you will at least verify the nationality?”
    At that moment Caulfield, at the binnacle, called up to the top. “Could they be merchants?”
    “I'd say not, sir.” Jackson replied. “The first two are hull up and have their fore courses set. Each has a deep cut roach.”
    As he spoke an extra shaft of light shattered the grey cloud; the low mist seemed to disappear and the first rays of true sun began to lift the gloom of morning, silhouetting the mystery ships and making them visible to those on deck.
    “They are clear now.” The midshipman's voice was breaking with excitement but no one paid him any further attention. All could see with deadly clarity the outline of warships as they bore down on them.
    “Take her west!” Banks ordered, and Caulfield began to bellow. Within seconds the watch on deck was raised from the shelter of the half deck and gangways in order to man the braces as Scylla turned her prow towards the last vestiges of darkness.
    “Heavy frigate.” King, who had appeared without the captain's notice,