Honour This Day by Alexander Kent Page B

had cleared. “Very well. In one hour we shall alter course to the sou’-west.” He saw the others nod. “Have Upholder and Tetrarch tack closer to the land. I don’t want the Dons to get near enough to see our strength.” He saw Penhaligon the sailing-master give a wry smile and added, “Or our lack of it. Thor will hold to wind-ward of us in company with Vesta. Let me know when it is light enough to make signals.” He turned towards the poop and then paused. “Captain Haven, a moment if you please.”
    In the great cabin the strengthening sunlight made strange patterns on the caked salt which had spattered the stern windows. Most of the ship had been cleared for action before dawn. Bolitho’s quarters were like a reminder of better times, until these screens were taken down, and the cabin furniture with all traces of his occupation here were taken to the security of the hold. He glanced at the black-barrelled nine-pounders which faced their closed ports on either side of the cabin. Then these two beauties would have the place to themselves.
    Haven waited for Ozzard to close the screen door and withdraw, then stood with his feet apart, his hat balanced in both hands.
    Bolitho looked at the sea beyond the smeared glass. “I intend to shift to Thor at dusk. You will take Hyperion with Vesta and Tetrarch in company. By first light tomorrow you should be in sight of Puerto Cabello and the enemy will be convinced that you intend to attack. They will not know your full strength—we have been lucky in reaching this far undetected.” He turned in time to see the captain gripping his hat so fiercely that it buckled in his fingers. He had expected an outburst or perhaps the outline of an alternative strategy. Haven said nothing, but stared at him as if he had misheard.
    Bolitho continued quietly, “There is no other way. If we are to capture or destroy a treasure-ship it must be done at anchor. We have too few ships for an extended search if she slips past us.”
    Haven swallowed hard. “But to go yourself, sir? In my experience I have never known such a thing.”
    â€œWith God’s help and a little luck, Captain Haven, I should be in position in the shallows to the west of La Guaira at the very moment you are making your mock attack.” He faced him steadily. “Do not risk your ships. If a large enemy force arrives you will discontinue the action and stand away. The wind is still steady at north-by-west. Mr Penhaligon believes it may back directly which would be in our favour.”
    Haven looked around the cabin as if to seek an escape.
    â€œHe may be wrong, sir.”
    Bolitho shrugged. “I would not dare to disagree with him.”
    But his attempt to lighten the tension was lost as Haven blurted out, “If I am forced to withdraw, who will believe—”
    Bolitho looked away to hide his disappointment. “I will have new orders written for you. No blame will be laid at your door.”
    Haven said, “I was not suggesting it merely for my own benefit, sir!”
    Bolitho sat down on the bench seat and tried not to think of all those other times when he had sat here. Hopes, plans, anxieties.
    He said, “I shall want thirty seamen from your company. I would prefer an officer whom they know to command them.”
    Haven said instantly, “May I suggest my first lieutenant, sir?”
    Their eyes met. I thought you might. He nodded. “Agreed.”
    Calls trilled from the quarterdeck and Haven glanced at the door.
    Bolitho said abruptly, “I have not yet finished.” He tried to remain calm but Haven’s behaviour was unnerving. “If the enemy does throw a force against you there is no way that you can cover my withdrawal from La Guaira.”
    Haven lifted his chin slightly. “If you say so, Sir Richard.”
    â€œI do. In which case you will assume command of the flotilla.”
    â€œAnd may I ask