Free Success to the Brave by Alexander Kent Page B

where the young lieutenant and the fair-haired girl had been walking was all in darkness.
    Bolitho turned to face the doors as he heard Chase’s heavy footsteps returning.
    In many ways it was harder than fighting a battle, he thought. And far less rewarding.

5 “ T HERE MAY BE THUNDER . . .”
    T HE WEEKS which followed the reception at Chase’s fine house taxed Bolitho to the limit. Jonathan Chase and several other wealthy Bostonians took it upon themselves to make them welcome, and nightly entertainment of one kind or another had become a regular feature for Achates ’ wardroom.
    And yet Bolitho was plagued by the idea that the lack of news and assistance by the President’s representative, Samuel Fane, were linked in some way.
    Perhaps he should have ignored the outline of his orders and proceeded first to San Felipe without entrusting the opening move to Captain Duncan in the Sparrowhawk. But had he done so his action might have been construed as arrogance or worse.
    And where was Sparrowhawk? What had Duncan found so important that he had delayed joining him here at Boston?
    On this particular day Bolitho had been unable to touch his midday meal at all. The meat and bread were fresh, brought off shore by one of Chase’s own boats, yet he could not face it.
    Around and above him the ship was resting in the sweltering heat, and there was the usual heady smell of rum as each mess issued its ration for the day.
    Maybe Sheaffe had known it would all be a waste of time which might end in disagreement with the Americans.
    He tugged the shirt away from his skin. It felt like a wet rag. He made himself remain in his chair, knowing he would only begin to pace about the cabin like a caged lion if he did not.
    Belinda. He twisted round in the chair and stared through the stern windows until his eyes watered. It would be over by now. They would have a child, unless . . .
    Suppose something had gone wrong? It was her first time. Anything might happen.
    He saw the distant houses move into view as Achates swung indifferently to her cable. It would be better to get to sea again. To do something.
    There was a light tap at the screen door and Keen entered, his eyes moving quickly to the untouched plate on Bolitho’s table.
    â€œThe American frigates are shortening their cables, sir.”
    Bolitho nodded. “Yes. Only the French will be here now.”
    Keen said, “In my opinion, sir, we should have another vessel attached to us for communications.”
    â€œYou’ve been thinking about Duncan’s Sparrowhawk too?”
    Keen shrugged. “Well, yes, as a matter of fact. Without even a brig in company we are deaf and dumb to everything beyond the harbour limits.”
    Yovell, the clerk, hovered in the doorway. “Beg pardon, zur, there are some papers for yew to sign.”
    Bolitho thought suddenly of his nephew. Adam had asked permission to escort Chase’s niece to her home in Newburyport. He could envy him his freedom from the endless waiting and the uncertainty. Bolitho knew he had been poor company and he had even exploded over one of Allday’s comments. He had immediately relented. It was not Allday’s fault. It was not anybody’s.
    Bolitho read swiftly through Yovell’s handwriting and then put his signature at the bottom. No wonder they said the Admiralty was crammed with written reports. Did anyone ever read them? he wondered.
    He said abruptly, “I shall try once more to discuss the matter of San Felipe with the Americans, after that I shall be pleased to sail for the island, Sparrowhawk or not. You might send word privately to Antigua if you can discover a ship’s master for the task. The admiral at English Harbour should be told what we are about. If I add a line to your despatch we might even worm a brig out of his command, eh?”
    Ozzard entered and removed the tray with nothing but a reproachful glance to reveal what he thought about