Cut and Run: The Fourth Book in the Fighting Sail Series by Alaric Bond Read Free Book Online Page A

and began to collect up the remains of their meal.
           The surgeon shook his head. “No, I came back from Bombay with Captain Fuller; fine officer, handled the ship well, with always the time for his passengers. The new man - Rogers, isn't it? He'll have his work cut out to match him.”
           No one said a word, although Keats seemed oblivious to any awkwardness.  
           “Actually, it was you both I wished to see,” he continued, singling out Manning and Kate. “I was thinking of your position, as a newly married couple.” They looked at him dubiously. “I am one who likes his fellow's company, yet chance that each of you wish only for the society of the other.”
           There was another strained silence; even the steward paused in his work, while Kate began to take extreme interest in her sewing. Manning simply blushed.
           “So, what say you take my cabin?” Keats asked. “'Tis large enough for two; two who don't mind a little intimacy.” His tone was light and pleasant, and there was no hint of mockery when Manning met his eyes. “I'd be more than happy to berth in here, if Mr Paterson permits?” Manning flushed a little deeper, although Kate appeared not to have heard.
           “Well, I'd think that a capital idea,” Paterson all but shouted, looking at the two for confirmation, while Tomlinson bustled from the room to hide his smirk. Manning nodded silently, but Kate was still totally immersed in her work. “Right then,” the mate continued with decision. He stood suddenly, and King was taken by the fact that he could do so without stooping. “But the evening is wearing out and rules state that cabin candles must be doused by ten, don't you know? Besides, if the rumour be true, we shall have more joining in the morning and a wealth to do, no doubt.” He looked about the company, now strangely silent. “If no one has any objection, I suggest we calls it a day.”
           King and Keats were quick to rise, although the remaining couple took a little longer. Both had their possessions to gather, of course, but the impression that there was no rush, and they were actually reluctant to leave, was unmistakable. Keats was momentarily concerned that he had committed some incredible gaff, but they bid goodnight to all calmly enough. However, when Manning held the door open for Kate to leave, the surgeon noticed that they avoided each other's eyes and, when the frail door finally closed, it was to a silence from both sides.  
           The men in the steerage mess looked to one another. Something was amiss, although none could say what. King cleared his throat to speak when the couple apparently experienced a change of heart. The sound of whispering could be plainly heard, followed by a sudden laugh; then the noise of footsteps that quickly faded as they positively rushed along the passageway and on towards the surgeon's quarters.
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
     
           The rumour was spot on. Soon after dawn, when King and Paterson were checking the contents of the signal locker on the ship's tiny poop deck, a pair of longboats and a cutter were spotted making for them in the early morning mist. The first two boats were slightly more than half-full; not enough to make up a complete crew, but a welcome addition, nevertheless. From their vantage position at the stern, the officers watched while the boats approached the landing stage and men began to clamber aboard.  
           “You, boy!” Paterson turned to a youngster who was brushing out one of the empty poultry coops. “The new intake is coming aboard; pass the word to the captain, then nip down and alert the cook that there's liable to be a few more for breakfast.”
           The lad was off in an instant and shortly afterwards Willis, the chief officer, appeared to meet the new draft. They assembled in the waist, forming up in ragged lines and facing the break