Read 1805 for Free Online Page B

decanter passed between them and Drinkwater began to relax
for the first time since the morning. The silence that fell between
them was companionable now. After a pause D'Auvergne said, 'Knowing the
confidence reposed in you by Lord Dungarth, I will venture to tell you
that it is part of my responsibility to gather information through a
network of agents in northern France. My operations are of particular
interest to Sir William, for I am able to pass on a surprising amount
of news concerning Truguet's squadron at Brest. Hence my unease at the
prospect of you harrying the actual sea-borders of France. Harry their
trade and destroy the invasion barges wherever you find them, but have
a thought for the sympathies of sea-faring folk who have never had much
loyalty for the government in Paris…'
    'Or London, come to that,' Drinkwater added wryly. The two men
laughed again.
    'Seriously, Drinkwater, I believe we are at the crisis of the
war and I am sad that the government is not united behind a
determination to face facts. This inter-party wrangling will be our
undoing. The French army is formidable, everywhere victorious, a whole
population turned to war. All we have to hope for is that Bonaparte
might fall. There are indications of political upheavals in France. You
have heard of the recent discovery of a plot to kill the First Consul;
there are other reactions to him still fermenting. If they succeed I
believe we will have a lasting peace before the year is out. But if
Bonaparte survives, then not only will his position be unassailable but
the invasion inevitable. The plans are already well advanced. Do not
underestimate the power, valour or energy of the French. If Bonaparte
triumphs he will have hundreds of Santhonaxes running at his horse's
tail. Their fleet
must
be kept mewed up in Brest
until this desperate business is concluded. This is the purpose of my
visits to Cornwallis but I can see no harm in the captain of every
cruiser being aware of the extreme danger we are in.' D'Auvergne leaned
forward and banged the table for emphasis. 'Invasion and Bonaparte are
the most lethal combination we have ever faced!'

----
Chapter
Four
April 1804
Foolish Virgins
    'Where away?'
    Drinkwater shivered in the chill of dawn, peering to the
eastward where Hill pointed.
    'Three points to starboard, sir. Ten or a dozen small craft
with a brig as escort.'
    He saw them at last, faint interruptions on the steel-blue
horizon, growing more substantial as every minute passed and the
gathering daylight grew. Squatting, he steadied his glass and studied
the shapes, trying to deduce what they might be. Behind him he heard
the shuffle of feet as other officers joined Hill, together with a
brief muttering as they discussed the possibility of an attack.
    Drinkwater rose stiffly. His neck and shoulder arched in the
chilly air. He shut the telescope with a snap and turned on the
officers.
    'Well, gentlemen. What d'you make of 'em, eh?'
    'Invasion barges,' said Hill without hesitation. Drinkwater
agreed.
    '
"Chalowpes"
and "
péniches"
,
I believe they call the infernal things, moving eastwards to the
rendezvous at Havre and all ready to embark what Napoleon Bonaparte is
pleased to call the Army of the Coasts of the Ocean.'
    'Clear for action, sir?' asked Rogers, his pale features
showing the dark shadow of an unshaven jaw and reminding Drinkwater
that daylight was growing quickly.
    'No. I think not. Pipe up hammocks, send the hands to
breakfast. Mr Hill, have your watch clew up the fore-course. Hoist
French colours and edge down towards them. No show of force. Mr Frey, a
string of bunting at the fore t'gallant yardarms. We are Frenchbuilt,
gentlemen. We might as well take advantage of the fact. Mr Rogers, join
me for breakfast.'
    As he descended the companionway Drinkwater heard the watch
called to stand by the clew-garnets and raise the fore tack and sheet.
Below, the berth-deck erupted in sudden activity as the off-duty men
were turned out of their