Thunder On the Sea: A Tim Phillips novel (War at Sea Book 11) by Richard Testrake Read Free Book Online Page B

people.”
    “Sir, Henderson is one of the worst of the lot. He is a drunk, and is strong enough to bully some of the weaker people out of their ration of grog.”
    Phillips thought about the matter a moment, then advised, “Lieutenant the very next time this corporal steps out of line, you will notify the first officer. I will have a few words with the fellow at captain’s mast.
    There was the normal confusion getting the new Marines on board. Phillips was surprised when he first laid eyes of the new draft. Normally Royal Marines looked professional at all times, even when not in full uniform and dressed in the same slop clothing as a seaman, one would normally not regard them as such.
    These troops came aboard in their dress uniforms, but for all that, looked like a band of ruffians. Items of uniform were missing or askew. Lieutenant Haynes met them at the entry port and attempted to get them into formation with little success. In the end, Captain Phillips ordered them sent below under the supervision of the ship’s master at arms.
    A short time later the first officer rapped on the side of his door, there being no marine sentry posted there yet.
    “Sir”, he began. “Lieutenant Haynes has requested I put one of his men on report.”
    “Let me guess. Will the man on report be Corporal Henderson?”
    “He is the one indeed, Sir. Mister Haynes requests captain’s mast for the corporal.”
    “Well, while it is late in the day, I do not like to keep my officers waiting. We will hold mast on his fellow right away. If you will get matters going, I will get dressed and appear on the quarterdeck in a few minutes.”
    It was gathering dusk in the harbor, when Captain Phillips appeared in full uniform on his quarterdeck. The ship’s company was drawn up on deck and Lieutenant Fitzhugh produced Corporal Henderson in the custody of a pair of burly master at arm’s mates.
    Lieutenant Haynes read off the charges against the corporal. Drunk on duty and insolence to his officer. As required, Captain Phillips read off the articles of war, especially those concerning the prisoner.
    When he asked Henderson if he had anything to say for himself, Henderson remained mute. None of his fellow Marines had anything to say for him, either.
    Phillips announced, “This would seem to be an easy case to pass judgment upon. Normally, I would reduce this man to the ranks, and set him to some sort of extra duty in addition to his normal work. In this case however, I will make an exception. It seems to me drink is the culprit here. Therefore, I am going to deprive this man of drink until such time as he can demonstrate his ability to control himself.”
    “For the time being, he will remain a Corporal of the Royal Marines, and will be treated as such. However, he will no longer receive his ration of grog and any man, seaman or Marine, who supplies him with rum shall receive a similar sentence. Corporal Henderson, following these proceedings, you will report to me in my quarters.”
     
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
    When Corporal Henderson reported to his captain, he did not appear unduly chastened. He seemed rather matter-of-fact about the whole proceeding, as if he was used to the whole scenario.
    “Corporal Henderson, as you might have guessed, you have found me at a bad moment. I have been furnished a draft of men supposedly Royal Marines, who should still be at their training depot. You are the only man I have available who may be able to whip them into shape. But, just who in hell will whip you into shape, Corporal?”
    Henderson remained at rigid attention, without seeming to move a muscle. He remained mute, after his captain’s question. Phillips eyed the man dispassionately for a moment, then barked, “Henderson, I asked you a question. You will answer me!”
    This time he got an answer. “Yessir, dunno sir.”
    Another question, Corporal. “When was the last time you had a drink?”
    “Forenoon watch, sir.”
    Phillips nodded,