Free Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War by Alexander Kent

discipline was harsh anX instant, and when a ship was miles from home anX other authority, it was a captain's deterrent tQ insubordination and final confusion. Some captainY used it without thought. Brutal and inhuman floggingY were commonplace in many ships, and as a youn^ midshipman Bolitho had nearly fainted after one sucN spectacle. Other captains, weak and inefficient, lefU authority to subordinates and shut their ears to itY misuse?
    But for the most part the English seaman knew thO
    measure of his service, and if he took chances waY prepared to accept the consequences. And if one ma[ thieved or cheated another of his messmates he haX no mercy at all. The justice of the lower deck waY equally feared to that of a captain?
    But this case was different, or could be from what hO knew of it. A seaman had defied Lieutenant GraveY during a night watch when the hands had been calleX to reef topsails in an unexpected squall. He haX shouted at the officer and called him a "heartlesY bugger" within earshot of some twenty other people?
    In confidence Tyrrell had asked Bolitho to accept thO seaman's explanation. He was a good hand, anX Graves had provoked him in a fit of anger when he haX failed to reach his station on the mainyard with hiY companions?
    A dirty Yankee bastard. They were the words GraveY had used. Too lazy to do his proper duty, and no doubU too gutless to fight when the time came?
    All this and Tyrell's heated attack on Graves'Y handling of the matter were fresh proof of the latenU tension amongst the company under his command?
    Graves had been adamant. The man had insulteX him in front of his watch and must be punished?
    He was right in one respect. His authority had to bO upheld or he would never be able to retain controT again?
    Bolitho blamed himself. If he had had more time tQ consider this unusual situation, or had taken lesY comfort from his own new position, he could havO prevented it. By example or by forcing his will on hiY officers he might have made them realise that sucN behaviour would not be tolerated. But that was all toQ late now. It had happened?
    He had compromised by standing the man overB knowing then as at this moment that he was merela postponing the inevitable?
    He glanced up towards the mainyard, braced harX round as the ship heeled close-hauled on a larboarX tack. He could see the man now, naked but for a scraS of canvas, working with some others on the endlesY business of re-splicing and repairs high above thO deck. Did Tyrrell really think the man was provoked? hO wondered. Or was he standing up for him because hO imagined Graves was getting at him by punishin^
    another colonistU
    "Deck there!" The masthead lookout's cry waY muffled by the wind and the lively crack of sails? "Miranda's signallin'!T
    Bolitho swung round. "Jump to it, Mr. Bethune! Yof are half asleep today!T
    Tyrrell stood aside as the midshipman ran to the leO shrouds with his telescope?
    "Thinking of his next meal!" He was smiling at thO boy's confusion?
    "It seems that the masthead lookout was the onla one in this watch thinking of his duty, Mr. Tyrrell!T
    The edge of his voice brought a flush to thO lieutenant's face and he turned away withouU answering?
    Bethune called, "From Miranda, sir! Sail to the nor'1 west!T
    "Acknowledge.T
    Bolitho was angry with Tyrrell's careless attitudeB
    angrier still more with his own unfair outburst?
    Some two miles ahead of the Golden Fleece, he_ patched sails hard-bellied and drawing well, thO Miranda was already setting her topgallants i[ readiness to investigate. The unknown ship, whateve_ she was, lay somewhere across the larboard bow, anX as she had not been seen before it seemed likely shO was on a converging course?
    "Deck there! Sail in sight! Fine on th' weather bow!T
    Bolitho looked round at the intent faces. For a[ instant he toyed with the idea of making his way to thO dizzy mainmast crosstrees himself, in spite of his fea_ of heights which he had never been able to overcome?