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the glare to enfold the deck like a dying fire.
    And from whom was Gilchrist drawing such confidence? He turned to watch the other two-deckers, overhauling steadily, and moving into a short, uneven line. Farquhar? Was he so eager for promotion that he had gained an ally for just that reason ? He certainly had both influence and the funds to tempt a man. Or was it Probyn ? From what he had seen of that one it seemed unlikely. He was lucky to hold a command in this squadron at all, let alone risk his good name for spite. He thought of Herrick. Impossible.
    Allday appeared on the poop deck and touched his forehead.
    'It'll be an hour or so afore Buzz ard's up to the squadron, sir.' He looked meaningly at the open skylight. 'Your servant has cooled some wine in the bilge for you.'
    Bolitho hardly heard him.
    'I hope Javal brings us good news.'
    Allday studied him, momentarily taken aback. It was not like Bolitho to speak so openly about his thoughts. He must be worried about something. To Allday i t seemed impossible that Bolitho should be troubled about the squadron's affairs, for in his eyes he could do almost anything. Nor about the dark-eyed Catherine Pareja back there in London. There had been talk in plenty, but that had probably been born of envy, he thought. God knows she was a fine looking woman and did not give a damn for what people might say about such 'goings-on'. One thing was certain, she was responsible for Bolitho's recovery from his wound after their last visit to this sea. But that was over and past. It was unlikely they would meet again.
    So what then? Lieutenant Pascoe? He grinned. He was a lively young devil. Very like his uncle, and the same as some of the faces in the portraits Allday had seen at the old house in Falmouth.
    He started as Bolitho said sharply, "The wine will be red-hot by the time you have decided to st and clear of the companion way! '
    Allday stood aside feeling slightly better. He waited until he heard Bolitho speaking with Ozzard, the cabin servant, through the open skylight, and then sauntered down to the quarterdeck where the afterguard were still busily making up halliards and securing the braces after trimming the sails.
    Pascoe looked up as he passed. 'You look like a dog with two tails! '
    Allday grinned. 'Now then, Mr. Pascoe, it's not fair to take advantage of a poor sailorman!'
    Pascoe shook his head. 'Advantage of you} When that day comes Bonaparte will be crowned Ki ng of England ! '
    Gilchrist's shadow fell between them.
    'I believe that you have been given extra duties, Mr. Pascoe ?' He stared at him flatly. 'By the captain?'
    'Yes, sir.' Pascoe regarded him without expression.
    'Then be so good as to get on with your tasks, Mr. Pascoe.' He glanced at Allday. 'And not waste time with the commodore's coxswain.' He tapped one foot gently on the deck. 'A good seaman no doubt, but hardly fitting company for a King's officer, eh ?'
    Allday saw the sudden flash of anger in the youth's eyes and said hastily, 'My fault, sir.'
    Gilchrist's mouth twisted very slightly. 'Really. I do not recall asking for the opinion of a common seaman. I am not accustomed to passing the time with - '
    They all turned as Bolitho appeared beside the wheel.
    He said harshly, 'In that case, Mr. Gilchrist, I would be obliged if you would take a glance at the weather forebrace and attend to it, instead of, what was it you said ? Passing the time in idle gossip! '
    Gilchrist opened and shut his mouth like a landed fish. Then he said, 'At once, sir.'
    Herrick appeared by the rail. 'Is something wrong, sir?'
    Bolitho looked past them, his eyes angry. 'Very, Captain. And when I discover what it is I will be glad to let you know.' He glared at the others. 'All of you!'
    *
    'Show me again on the chart.'
    Bolitho stood beside the cabin table as Javal leaned across it. The other captains waited in silence, their bodies swaying while Lysander lifted and dipped heavily in irregular troughs.
    Javal explained, 'Sighted