Read Heathersleigh Homecoming for Free Online Page B

that was probably it. Churchill had assured him, as part of Charles’ resuming his commission in this capacity as his special liaison, that they would be assigned duty on the same ship. George’s orders would transfer him to the HMS Dauntless once Charles arrived at the Scapa Flow battle station.
    He turned back into his cabin, sat down on his bunk, and read again the communiqué from Churchill that had been delivered upon his arrival by a young lieutenant by the name of Langham, the First Lord of the Admiralty’s assistant.
    My dear Charles, it read.
    Words cannot express the respect I have for you, and my personal sense of gratitude for the sacrifice you are willing to make for your nation at this perilous hour. I told you before the war that I needed people I could trust. You are such a man, and my load is lightened knowing that you are on my leadership and advisory team. We both realize that the fight before us will not be as easy as some newspapers try to tell the citizenry. Everything depends on the fleet, and in these opening months the British fleet is disquieted about the very foundations of its being. We have our mighty ships, and every man from stoker to admiral is ready to die in carrying out his duty. And yet it cannot be denied that the U-boats have caused the Grand Fleet to be uneasy. Our ships have no resting place except at sea. Conceive it, Charles—I scarcely can do so even as I write the words—the neplus ultra, the one ultimate sanction of our existence, the supreme engine which no one has ever dared to brave, whose authority encircles the globe—the British fleet . . . is no longer sure of itself. The notion is so astonishing as to seem incredible. Yet it is true. The idea has infiltrated everywhere that the German submarines are coming after us into our very harbours.
    On the South Coast no one would mind, for we can take our vessels inside the Portland breakwater and literally shut the door. But on the East Coast no such sealed harbour exists. We had hoped that Scapa, where you will be bound even as you read this, could remain protected from the submarines by its currents. And yet, Charles, just days ago submarines have been spotted in Scapa Flow. At least such is the report. I am not sure whether I believe it, but it has certainly had the effect of increasing the trepidation of the fleet. The mere apprehension of submarines attacking the sleeping ships on which all else reposes would be sufficient to destroy that sense of security which every fleet demands when in its own harbours.
    In any event, it is into this tense and uneasy atmosphere that I am sending you. I hope wise and level heads such as yours will be able to exercise a calming effect on the men. Only so will the Grand Fleet be able to regain the courage and confidence so vital to our success. This, then, is your first assignment—work to instill courage and confidence. Assure the men that we shall prevail.
    I hope and—though I hesitate to say it to such a devout man as yourself for fear you will think I do so employing a mere figure of speech, but I assure you I mean it most deeply—I also pray that this separation will not prove unbearably difficult for your wife, who must love you very much. I wish you the best in this endeavour, my friend, and a speedy homecoming, and give you again my hearty thanks.
    Yours,
Winston S. Churchill *
    Â Â 
    *   Parts adapted from Winston Churchill’s own words, found in Chapter 17 of The World Crisis , vol. 1, 413–414.

 6 
Close Encounter
    Amanda darted nervously from the train across the platform area while the stocky man was glancing the other way. She kept close to the opposite side of a large woman with three children, trying to look as if she were with them. Quickly, when the coast was clear, she ran into the Trieste station.
    The next scheduled train into Italy did not depart until 7:13 a.m.
    Standing with bag in hand in front of