Passage to Mutiny by Alexander Kent Page A

part is afterwards. ”
    Prideaux said tersely, “I think it would be better to land all the marines, sir. A show of force, no matter the reason for showing it, usually works wonders.”
    Bolitho looked at him. Prideaux was very relaxed. He was enjoying it. He obviously thought discussion unnecessary and stupid. That his captain was totally out of depth with his plan, as well as with the execution of it.
    Bolitho said to the cabin at large, “We will take thirty men, and the marines selected will be your best sharpshooters, Captain Prideaux. The sergeant will be one, and he is picking six more. I do not want a show of anything. If my fears are justified, we will have to act with haste, and with stealth.”
    There was a tap at the door and the midshipman-of-the-watch stepped into the lanternlight.
    â€œMr Borlase sends his respects, sir, and wishes you to know that the boats are ready for lowering.” His eyes moved round the cabin as he spoke. Midshipman Pyper was seventeen, and probably already saw himself as a captain in some fine ship.
    â€œVery well.” Bolitho leaned over the chart, knowing they were watching his every move. “Once the landing party is ashore the boats will return to the ship. There are too many eyes about for my liking, and I want no evidence of our movements left in the open. Then Tempest will steer south and round the southern headland, much as we did originally. Mr Herrick knows what is expected once you arrive there, and will pass his instructions in his own time. The landing party will divide into halves. One under Mr Keen, and the other will go with me. We will cross the island to the bay.” He pulled out his watch and flicked it open. The hands showed two o’clock in the morning. Dawn came up fresh and quick in these waters. There was no room for doubts now. “After that, gentlemen, we will think again.”
    They all stood up, and Bolitho added, “And remember to tell the people exactly what we are doing. Explain that protecting lives is as much part of the Navy’s work as taking them in battle!”
    They moved to the door, already grappling with their own parts of the pattern he had thrust on them.
    Herrick stood his ground, as Bolitho knew he would.
    â€œI think I should take charge ashore, sir.” He sounded very calm but determined. “It is my right, and in any case—”
    â€œ In any case, Thomas, you think I am foolhardy to go myself, eh?” He smiled gravely as Allday came out of the shadows and took down the old sword from the bulkhead. “It is my decision. Many of you probably think it is a wrong one. I have doubts too over some things.” He waited for Allday to buckle the sword round his waist. “I’ll feel more at peace amongst chaos of my own making than fretting aboard this ship and worrying that you may have fallen because of me.” He held up his hand. “It is done, Thomas. I know you relish a good argument, but leave it until my return.” He clapped him on the shoulder. “Now see us away and do your part.”
    On deck the air was a little cooler, but not much. Bolitho walked to the starboard gangway and looked down at the jostling figures who were being sorted out and having their weapons and meagre supplies checked by Jury, the boatswain.
    He tried to appear relaxed, to recognize and acknowledge each of these silent men. Once the boats had gone from the beach they would be entirely self-dependent. There was no water on the island, as Lakey had long since discovered. Just a handful of men, their small resources, and an unknown enemy.
    He heard someone whisper, “By God, the cap’n’s comin’ with us! Must be important!”
    Another said hoarsely, “Wants to stretch ’is legs, more like!”
    â€œSilence on deck!” That was Jury.
    Borlase touched his hat. He looked enormous against the moon. “All mustered, sir.”
    Bolitho looked at