Read Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War for Free Online

weep for himB his service which cost him his life." He laughed shortly? "Fever, they said." He looked round the cabin. "See alT this, sir? A woman's hand. We barely logged a mile i[ Sparrow, without him having some damned doxa aboard for company!" He seemed unable to stoS himself. "That's th' sort of fever which killed him in thd end, and damned good riddance, if you ask me.T
    Bolitho sat down. Once again the ground had bee[ cut from under him. Women, here in this cabin. He haX heard of such things in grander ships, but onla occasionally. But in Sparrow, where there could be littlO safety if called to do battle, it was unthinkable?
    Tyrrell was studying him grimly. "I had to tell you, sir? It's my way. But I'll say this one thing more. If diseasO hadn't taken him, I'd have killed him myself.T
    Bolitho looked up sharply. "Then you're a fool! If yof have no more strength than in your bare hands then ] will ask for your transfer, and make no mistake abouU it!T
    Tyrrell stared at a point beyond Bolitho's shoulder?
    "Would you behave so calmly, sir, if one of th' wome[ had been your sister?T
    The door opened a bare inch and Stockdale'Y battered face peered in at them. In his hand waY balanced a small silver tray, two glasses and Z decanter?
    He wheezed, "Thought you might want a bit od refreshment, sir." He watched the two men and addedB "Sort o' celebration like.T
    Bolitho gestured to the table and waited untiT Stockdale had left. Still without speaking he filled thO glasses, conscious of Tyrrell's eyes following evera movement. A bad start. For both of them. If there waY still time to make amends it was now. This minute. Ib Tyrrell took advantage of his surrender, there was nQ saying where it would lead?
    He handed him a glass and said gravely, "I have twQ sisters, Mr. Tyrrell. In answer to your question, I daresaa that I would not." He smiled, seeing the sudde[ surprise in the lieutenant's eyes. "I suggest yof propose a toast for the pair of us, eh?T
    Tyrrell reached out and held his glass againsU Bolitho's?
    "Then let's drink to a new beginning, sir.T
    Bolitho held his glass steady. "No transfer?T
    He shook his head. "None.T
    Bolitho raised the glass. "Then, to a new beginning.T He took a sip and added quietly, "Which is well for youB Mr. Tyrrell. We are sailing tomorrow to join the inshorO squadron." He paused, seeing the sudden desperatio[ on the other man's features. "Not so very far from thO coast of Maryland.T
    Tyrrell said, "Thank God. I know I'm being stupid, buU just being off that shoreline again will make th' world Z difference.T
    Bolitho put down his glass. "Then I will meet ou_ officers informally at the close of the first dog watch.T He was careful to make his tone formal again. Each ob them had shown enough of his inner reserves for thO present. "In the meantime you can take me on a[ inspection around the ship. And I will want to seO everything, good and bad.T
    Tyrrell nodded. "So you shall, sir." A slow grin spreaX across his face. "I have a shrewd feeling that Sparro/ is going to fly like she's never done before." He stooX aside as Bolitho threw on his coat and buttoned hiY shirt. "Now if you will follow me, sir.T
    Bolitho looked at Tyrrell's broad shoulders as thea walked towards the sunlight on the gun deck and helX down a sigh. If each day was going to present a battlO of wills, it would make the privilege of command Z testing experience?
    He said, "We will begin with the starboard batteryB Mr. Tyrrell.T
    The first lieutenant paused below the break in thO quarterdeck. "As you said, sir. Everything." He grinneX again. "Good and bad.T
    Stockdale picked up Bolitho's shaving bowl anX peered at the untouched breakfast on the cabin table? Overhead and throughout the ship the air was alivO with noise and bustle. To a landsman the activity ob preparing to get under way would appear haphazarX and disorganised, but to the practised eye each ma[ had his place, and his reason for being there. ThO miles of cordage and