Inshore Squadron by Alexander Kent Read Free Book Online Page A

quickened his pace, his thoughts exploring the future, which no longer seemed an idle dream.

3 THE L ETTER
    I T WAS another full day before Bolitho’s lookouts sighted Admiral Damerum’s squadron, and then because of the lateness of the hour an extra night passed before they could make contact.
    Throughout the following morning, while Bolitho’s ships changed tack to run down on the larger formation, Bolitho studied the admiral’s squadron through a powerful telescope and wondered at the sense of keeping such a force employed in this fashion. The British fleets, in summer and winter alike, were expected to blockade the Dutch men-of-war along the coastline of Holland, the Spanish at Cadiz and, of course, the powerful French bases of Brest and Toulon. Apart from that, they were entrusted to patrol the vital trade routes from the East and West Indies, to protect them from the enemy, from privateers and even common pirates. It was an almost impossible task.
    And now, because Tsar Paul of Russia, who had little liking for Britain and a mounting admiration of Bonaparte, might be expected to break his neutrality, even more desperately needed squadrons were wasted here at the approaches to the Baltic.
    Herrick joined him and said, “The third ship, sir, that’ll be Sir Samuel Damerum’s.”
    Bolitho moved his glass slightly and trained it on the one which wore the Union Flag at her mainmast truck. He was very conscious of the difference between the slow-moving vessels and his own small squadron. Patched canvas, weather-beaten hulls, in some cases whole areas of paint stripped away by wind and sea, they made a marked contrast with his newly refitted two-deckers.
    Far beyond the heavier ships Bolitho could just make out the topgallants of a patrolling frigate, the admiral’s “eyes,” and he guessed that their lookouts could also see the Danish coast.
    â€œCall away my barge, Thomas. We will be up to them within the hour. See that the stores for the admiral are sent across in another boat directly.”
    It was always a strange feeling when ships met each other. Those which had been at sea for a long period were always craving for news from home. The new arrivals had the additional anxiety of ignorance about what might be waiting for them.
    His flag lieutenant strode across the quarterdeck, his face pinched with the keen air.
    Bolitho said, “There is the admiral’s flagship. The second-rate.”
    Browne nodded. “The Tantalus, sir. Captain Walton.” He sounded as if he did not much care.
    â€œYou will come across with me.” He smiled grimly. “To ensure that I do not do something indiscreet.”
    Herrick said, “It might all blow over, sir. And we’ll be back at Spithead for orders before you know it.”
    Bolitho was in his cabin collecting his despatches from the strongbox when a clatter of blocks and the stiff crack of canvas told him that Benbow was coming about under shortened sail so that the barge could be lowered safely alongside.
    When he went on deck again the scene had changed once more. The admiral’s ships, moving very slowly under fully braced topsails, were like an enemy fleet, with Benbow about to break through their line of battle. It was only too easy to picture, and although many of Benbow ’s people had never heard a shot fired in anger, Bolitho, like Herrick and some of the others, had seen it many times.
    â€œBarge alongside, sir.” Herrick hurried towards him, his face lined with the responsibility of controlling his ship and the rest of the squadron in Bolitho’s absence.
    â€œI will be as quick as I can, Thomas.” He tugged his hat firmly across his head, seeing the marines at the entry port, the boatswain’s mates moistening their silver calls on their lips in readiness to speed him on his way. “The admiral will not wish me to be an enforced guest if the sea gets up again, eh?”
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