1805 by Richard Woodman Read Free Book Online

concerning Truguet’s squadron at Brest. Hence my unease at the prospect of you harrying the actual sea-borders of France. Harrytheir 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 . . .’
    â€˜Or London, come to that,’ Drinkwater added wryly. The two men laughed again.
    â€˜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 tuned 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 4
April 1804
Foolish Virgins
    â€˜Where away?’
    Drinkwater shivered in the chill of dawn, peering to the eastward where Hill pointed.
    â€˜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 ached in the chilly air. He shut the telescope with a snap and turned on the officers.
    â€˜Well, gentlemen. What d’you make of ’em, eh?’
    â€˜Invasion barges,’ said Hill without hesitation. Drinkwater agreed.
    â€˜ “
Chaloupes
” 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.’
    â€˜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.
    â€˜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 French-built, 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 hammocks. He nodded to the marine sentry at attention by his door and entered the cabin. Rogers followed and both men sat at the table which was being hurriedly laid by an irritated Mullender.
    â€˜You’re early this morning, sir,’ grumbled the steward, with the familiar licence allowed to intimate