Success to the Brave by Alexander Kent Read Free Book Online

with her love.
    But the picture would not form.
    He called, “Captain Keen, we shall douse all lights and change tack tonight. As soon as it is dark alter course to the nor’-west. By dawn I want to see that strange sail where we can run down on it.”
    Keen opened his mouth as if to protest but instead touched his hat. Then he said, “I’ll get every stitch on her, sir.”
    Bolitho strode into the poop’s shadow and made his way aft to his quarters.
    He had acted hastily, even childishly, some would say.
    Achates was a solitary ship, and yet his responsibility was as great as if he commanded a squadron or even a fleet.
    Those around him had not asked to be here. Keen, Quantock, the embittered first lieutenant, even the boatswain’s mate named Christy who had been so grateful that he had remembered him, they all deserved better from the man who commanded them.
    But there was a difference. To Keen the ship and her company came before all else, and the mission was secondary.
    To Bolitho Achates had to remain a symbol and, if necessary, a weapon to enforce his wishes.
    It was probably the first time he had considered what his new responsibility entailed, and the realization steadied him.
    Allday padded into the cabin and replaced the old sword on its rack. Cleaning it made little difference but it gave him an excuse to come and go as he pleased.
    He glanced at Bolitho as he sat on the bench seat by the stern windows, his black hair ruffling in the wind across the quarter.
    Bolitho looked calm enough. The sudden squall had passed.
    â€œI was wondering, sir . . .”
    Bolitho turned, only half aware he was no longer alone.
    â€œWhat about?”
    â€œWell, I mean, sir, if you was the governor of this island we’re about to toss away to the mounseers, what would you do?”
    Bolitho got to his feet and strode to the wine cabinet where he poured two glasses of brandy.
    He handed one to the astonished Allday and replied, “Thank you. You have put your finger on it.” The brandy burned his lips, “ Do, Allday? I’d stand and fight. And so probably will he.”
    Allday breathed out slowly. He did not quite understand what he had done, but it was good to see the frown gone from Bolitho’s features.
    Bolitho eyed him warmly. “You should have been in Parliament, Allday.”
    Allday put down his empty glass. He had never seen him in quite this mood before,
    â€œI’m too honest, sir.”
    Bolitho laughed and turned to watch the patterns and colours twisting in the ship’s wake.
    There would be no easy solution for San Felipe.
    Maybe that was why Sheaffe needed his “man of action.”
    And it had taken Allday to discover it.
    â€œHands at quarters, sir, ship cleared for action.”
    Keen’s voice came out of the gloom and Bolitho could barely distinguish him from the other dark figures at the quarterdeck rail.
    The Achates ’ previous captain and Keen’s regular drills had made their mark, he thought. All hands had been roused early and had a hot meal before the galley fire had been doused and the ship prepared for battle.
    There was little impression of danger or anxiety, however. It was peacetime, so why should they worry?
    Bolitho said, “That was quietly done.”
    He shivered as the cold, damp wind whipped over the deck. In an hour or so the sunlight would raise steam from the planks and melt the tarred seams like toffee.
    â€œSteady on west by north, sir.”
    Bolitho nodded. There was Knocker’s voice, the sailing-master. At the helm and compass he was king. He was a man who rarely smiled. Thin and gaunt with a priest’s face, Bolitho thought. But his chartwork and his grip over the ship’s daily progress was as good as any master he had ever known.
    Some of the gun crews around the quarterdeck were whispering and nudging each other. Anything which broke the regular routine was welcome. What did it matter if