Free Mean Sun by Gerry Garibaldi Page B

Captain Hearne, inclining his head discreetly.
    “I have been informed that Raja Ram Singh will send a treasure ship on the first week of June. She will be traveling to Bombay by a French frigate ”
    “And what of it?”
    The governor shrugged, admired the rose reflection in his port then drained the glass. “You understand a Dutch hand cannot be detected. It would not do for the Company.”
    “You propose I turn into a pirate?” Hearne replied, leaning back on the heels of his chair and taking the governor in with amused astonishment.
    “Did I mistake you, sir, as a man of industry?” the governor snapped. “Pirate indeed! I extend the plum of opportunity, a simple bit of intelligence, and you misconstrue it as an assault on yourfine character. I tell you, Captain Hearne, every sea robber in the East Indies would have hands on this. And I offer it to you.”
    “And what share would you wish?”
    “Well, in the event that all proved successful,” the governor drummed his fingers lightly on the table. “One-sixth I think would be a fair exchange.”
    “One-sixth for a dozen words and sleeping on dry land in a soft bed? I say divide that by five.”
    “Yet we have other business to attend, sir,” interrupted Lord Douglas resolutely. “Highway robbery is not the English way.”
    “Very well said, Lord Douglas,” declared Snyder contently, shooting a sly smile at Hearne. “As you weather, your thinking might change, however, young man.”
    “Nonsense. God has never poured as much ambition into two boots than he has into those of Lord Douglas,” said Captain Hearne jovially. “I predict he will be a man of greatness and riches.”
    Governor Snyder turned an appraising eye on Lord Douglas.
    “Perhaps you are the fellow with whom I should be transacting, instead of this tough old cur.”
    Their talk turned to trifles then, until the receding night found its fatigue in their hollow voices. Governor Snyder roused his companions roughly, stood swaying somewhat, and placed his hat askew upon his head.
    “I say, Captain Hearne,” said Snyder. “You do keep a busy ship. All this evening I heard the scuffle of activity. We must now take our leave, my friend. Thank you for a most memorable diversion.”
    As Captain Hearne and his officers escorted their guests out of the cabins and onto the main deck and into the musty vapors, the last net of opium chests was at that moment being hauled on-board. Governor Snyder at first greeted the euphonious sound of ropes and pulleys with a dizzy smile, then, as he focused more narrowly through the fog, his head began to pivot from Hearne to the chests and back again, his lips parted and a choking cry rose from his throat.
    “
Monster
!
Criminal!—
”
    “Only a few chests of opium, governor,” responded Hearne evenly. “What is the count, Mr. Brooks?”
    “One hundred eighty,” replied Mr. Brooks.
    “You invite me aboard and plunder my stores!” bellowed Snyder. “You are a low highwayman indeed, Jacob Hearne! A cheat! A fraud!”
    “Oh, come now, Governor. We’re all allies and partners now, aren’t we?” countered Hearne, his voice lowering melodiously. “You can’t expect the British navy to join your battles and extend our friendship without a fair share of the profits.”
    “I’ll have those cannons blow you out of the water!” the governor shrieked, thrusting his shaking hand at the battlements. “The gulls will pick your gassy carcass, Captain!”
    “I think not,” said Hearne with a commiserating smile. “We will put you into a boat without paddles. By the time you rake to shore we will be gone.” Hearne approached the governor. “Now, we have had a merry evening. Let us not part in such foul weather.”
    “You are a shameless
housebreaker
, Captain!” Snyder growled, then finally perceiving his futile situation: “You exhaust me, sir. Exhaust me!”
    “I would think on any report on this, sir,” advised Hearne confidentially. “You being