Bart had the admiral's barge crewed and on their way before Gabe had dropped anchor. "Let's do it up proper like," an excited Bart had urged Lord Anthony.
"Make'um feel like they's dig-na-terries being picked up in the admiral's own barge. Then when the fuss is al over…me and Silas will cut out ’is gizzard for scaring the life outta us'ns so."
Bart's sentiment mirrored his own Lord Anthony thought but it was hard to fill ill toward Gabe when he had been trying to do his duty. Turning toward the companionway, Lord Anthony spoke with the flag captain, "I'll be in my quarters, Dutch. You can escort our wayward young officer down after you're finished on deck. He seems to have picked up someone along the way so make him comfortable until I send for him."
"Aye, my lord." Dutch had also noticed the tall black man Gabe seemed to be pointing out things of interest to.
Suddenly a very loud cheer went up accented with musket fire. Lord Anthony paused and turning back to Dutch questioned, "SeaWolf?"
"Aye, my Lord, their captain is back."
"I hope Earl won't take offense."
"Nay, my Lord. He and Gabe are close and from al appearances Gabe and Markham may have brought a ship for him."
Smiling Anthony chided, "You'd promote Earl over your own first lieutenant, Dutch?"
"Nay, my Lord, not I, but you."
With a smile on his lips Lord Anthony made his way to his quarters. Not even the stamp of the marine sentry stirred his ire. "Silas, Silas damn your slow soul I want…"
"It's already done, sir. I's sent for your best wine, we's cutting up some cheese and setting out some bread and opening some preserves. It'll be just right for young Gabe, my Lord, and that's no error."
After greeting Gabe and Markham on deck, Captain Moffett had his cox'n take Lum in tow. Dagan and Bart made their own way which was likely to end up in the admiral's pantry, Dutch thought. Then eyeing the bulging canvas dispatch pouch Markham was carrying he led the two down to the great cabin.
"Flag cap'n, suh," The marine sentry barked out then stood aside to let the officers enter, careful not to be obvious, but eyeing Gabe to get a better feel for this man who caused such a stir. The gray streak in Gabe's hair caught the man's eye causing him to take a deep breath.
"Something wrong?" Gabe asked.
"No sir, just a vapor sir," the sentry lied and was glad the officers took no more notice.
Entering the cabin, Gabe had forgotten how large it was. Compared to SeaWolf’s tiny cabin it was enormous. It was furnished as befitted an admiral.
Lady Deborah had seen to that. Around the cabin in a semi-circle were half a dozen leather covered armchairs of emerald green. A mahogany wine cooler was in the corner and a sideboard rack held at least a dozen cut glass decanters fill ed with different shades of liquid.
Another rack held two swords; one had been Admiral Lord James Anthony's. Seeing his brother's gaze, Gil walked up to Gabe and putting an arm around his shoulder said, "It'll be yours one day." The two brothers hugged, then stepping back and clapping Gabe's shoulder Gil whispered, "We'll talk later." Then, switching from the role of concerned brother to that of concerned admiral, Lord Anthony spoke out,
"Well, captain, it's time we got down to business, is it not?"
"Aye, my Lord," Dutch answered, not fooled by his admiral's stiffness. "It appears we can't let the two of them out of our sight without them stealing a ship off some poor soul."
Glancing up as the group took seats in the leather armchairs, Lord Anthony saw Dagan and Bart enter the pantry where Silas waited. "No doubt Dagan's report to Bart as they enjoyed a wet would be more enlightening than what he'd get in writ en reports. Oh well, Bart would fill him in later."
Lord Anthony listened closely as Gabe explained in detail about the convoy that had been placed in his charge. He told how resistant the Turtle's captain had been to obeying procedures and orders. Gabe explained why he believed that Turtle's commander had been a traitor and had in fact proven himself to be a traitor when Gabe had caught him red-handed unloading gunpowder for the rebels. "Gunpowder the British Navy and its army needed badly." Lord Anthony didn't fail to notice the changes in Gabe's voice and demeanor as he told of the beautiful girl, who along with her nanny and Lum had rescued him and nursed him back to health, only to be imprisoned by another traitorous son of a bitch. Adam Montique, a traitor to both sides.
"You will recall, sir," Gabe spoke to Admiral Anthony, "Mr. Montique was a very wealthy ship owner and planter in Antigua. It was he that loaned Commodore Gardner his home while he was the dockyard commissioner."
"As you suspected, sir," Gabe again addressed his brother specifically, "Someone was getting word to the pirates…it was Montique. He had several government contracts and with his frequent dealings with Commodore Gardner was able to keep the pirates well informed."
"You don't think Gardner was involved do you?" an unbelieving Captain Moffett asked.
"No sir," Gabe replied, "After being clubbed by one of Montique's men I was dragged to a warehouse and chained. Pretending to still be unconscious I listened while Montique bragged about how simple and stupid Gardner was…ah…No offense to the commodore, sir."
"None taken," Admiral Anthony replied. "Please continue."
"Aye, sir," Montique laughed at how trusting Gardner was. He talked Gardner into using his home stating it was better off being lived in; that way it was kept up. He stated his house was usual y empty and at any rate when he was in Antigua he could stay in one of the guest rooms. That way he would still have accommodations when needed and Greta would have a comfortable place to live as long as Gardner was dockyard commissioner. If a contract came open what would it hurt for Montique to know about it? Gardner was persuaded and the rest is history."
"You mentioned earlier this Montique was a traitor to both sides," the Admiral spoke again, "How so?"
"Not only a traitor to both causes," Gabe replied,
"But a white slaver as well." This caused Admiral Anthony and Captain Moffett to sit up.
"Damme sir, but did you say a white slave trader?" Moffett asked.
"Aye," Gabe replied, "He was taking young female captives from vessels the pirates plundered and then sold them to the Dey of Algiers. That is to say the ones Montique and his ruffians didn't use up for their own
pleasure. God only knows what happened to those poor creatures after they were used." Lord Anthony and Moffett looked dumbfounded as Gabe continued. "According to a man named Hindley, who was Montique's plantation overseer, if Faith, ’ere his niece, continued to avoid his advances, he was going to sell her to the Dey. Said a young blonde virgin would fetch a fortune… her weight in gold."
"His niece, incestuous bastard is he not?" Moffett exclaimed.
"Aye, sir. It was this Hindley who became so besotted with Faith's beauty he risked sure death by Montique when he attempted to rape the girl. It was then Lum kill ed the man that made it necessary for me to bring him with me, for his protection. It was then Dagan showed up with his group and we escaped, taking the other captive girls with us. It's in the report, sir," Gabe said as he ended his story.
"Enlightened me if you will sir," Captain Moffett spoke again. "You've explained how Montique was an informer to the pirates and a slaver but how has he been a traitor to the Colonials?"
"Well, sir," Gabe began again, "the Admiral can tell you that the pirates attacked al ships of means; it didn't matter if it was British, Colonial or what nation. It was a rich cargo he was after…whose made no difference.
Even Commodore Gardner remarked on how a lot of those taken could have paid a large ransom. Well, Montique had the pirates kill the men, take pleasure in the…ah, older women, but the young girls and the
younger the better, he sold into the Dey's harems. The goods from those ships he sold to the highest bidder, and then often had the ship waylaid carrying the cargo he'd just sold. Then he'd sale it again. His warehouse was full of contraband. There was enough in one warehouse to keep an entire Army going through a whole winter."
"I see," Moffett said.
After a brief pause, while Silas recharged everyone's wine glass, the report continued. This time both Gabe and Markham explained how the privateer had engaged the merchant vessel and how when they arrived the privateer was taken.
"Here's a list of cargo I thought would interest you, my Lord," Markham said as he proudly handed Lord Anthony an inventory list.
Taking a moment to go over the list the admiral raised his eyebrows. Then addressing the flag captain, he spoke. "Damme, Dutch, would you listen to this?
After a one and a quarter hour engagement the privateer, Le Frelon…what's that…the wasp?
"Hornet, sir," Markham corrected his senior, "Le Frelon means the Hornet."
"Yes well," the Admiral continued, "Upon boarding her we found in cargo eight carriage guns, twelve swivel guns, twenty small arms, sixteen pistols, twenty cutlasses, some twenty cases of cartridges, boxes and belts for bayonets, nineteen barrels of powder and nine half-barrels of powder. In addition, there were bales of blankets, crates of boots in assorted sizes, twelve
kegs of rum, seven casks of naval wine, and a miscellany of shot and ball. We also captured a Colonial captain, a sergeant and about twenty privates. Among the Army stores, we further found six three-pound cannons but no shot or bal. The captured vessel is a French built twenty-gun corvette in good repair. Her commander is a prisoner. We lost ten men kill ed, seven wounded, one of which is in a bad way."
"It is also my privilege," Markham spoke after the Admiral had finished reading the inventory, "to present this set of papers." Then handing an official document on parchment paper to Lord Anthony, Markham sat back and watched for the expression on the admiral's face to appear.
"My God, sirs," an excited and surprised Lord Anthony exclaimed, "do you know what you have here…if…if mind you this document is real. Your discovery may have saved Nova Scotia." Looking somewhat awed by his Lordship's words, Captain Moffett inquired as he reached out, "May I, sir?"
"Oh, forgive me, Dutch. Look at this." As Moffett read the heading of the document his jaw dropped, "The Plans for the Invasion and Occupation of Nova Scotia to be undertaken by a Consortium of Free Enterprise Ships and Vessels." As Moffett read on he looked up, "Did you see the date, my Lord?"
"Aye, Dutch that I did."
"That doesn't give us much time to prepare a defense, sir."
"No, it doesn't. Are our patrol ships back in port, Dutch?"
"Aye, sir, al but Merlin and she was due today."
"Make a signal for al captains to repair on board at 0800 on the morrow."
"Aye, sir, and sir have you decided about Mr. Earl?"
"Yes, send for him immediately while I have my clerk draw up the orders." Then Lord Anthony stood.
The formal interview was over. "We have a lot of preparation, gentlemen." Looking at Gabe and Markham he said, "Your find was a Godsend. Have the privateer sent over to the flagship for further questioning."
"Do you think, sir," Markham asked, "that since we captured Le Frelon, they'll cal it off?"
"I doubt it," Lord Anthony responded. "I doubt they know we've taken the ship yet and when they find out they will most likely figure the captain's papers were thrown overboard."
As the group made to leave, Lord Anthony put aside his admiral's demeanor as he spoke, "Gabe, would you do me the honor of dining with me tonight? Silas will have something to soothe the palate or I'll have him keel-hauled."
"Aye, sir, I would take pleasure in it."
"Good, now if you will give Earl time to gather his chest and report to me before you go aboard SeaWolf. "
"Aye, sir, I'd not want to do anything to displeasure Mr. Earl. We've been friends to long." Smiling Lord Anthony said, "And I imagine that friendship will continue for sometime since you're the one who helped capture the ship which will be his." Gabe almost forgot himself, "Real y Gil…'ere sir, that's great. I'll spend some time with Bart and introduce him to Lum if Dagan's not already done so."
"Very well," Lord Anthony explained, "I'd like to meet this Lum fellow soon myself."
As soon as Gabe had left, Lord Anthony cal ed to Dagan…"You still in the pantry?"
"Aye, sir, I'm still here."
"Good, let me draft Earl's orders then we'll sit down and have a glass."
"Aye, my Lord, I do think I've something that will surprise you."
Looking at Dagan for a moment Lord Anthony replied, "I doubt it…I heard his voice when he mentioned her name."
Boarding SeaWolf again was exhilarating even if it did hold some foolish apprehensions. Apprehensions such as how had things gone since he'd been absent:
had Earl changed any of his standing orders or protocols? How was discipline and morale? Had the bosun sewed any red baize bags in his absence? Gabe couldn't recall SeaWolf’s last flogging. Earl had spent time under Lord Anthony long enough to know his Lordship believed in flogging only as a last resort.
"You ruin more good men than you know," he'd always say when he gathered his officers just prior to a commission. Why so many use it as intimidation was more than he could fathom.
Bart had used the admiral's barge again to row Gabe over to SeaWolf. That Hazard had been forewarned was obvious, probably by Earl, who had been summoned to the flagship. The entire crew had turned out in their best.
"Boat ahoy! SeaWolf!" The challenge and the reply, a bosun's pipe shrilled loudly filling the air as did cheers, then a firm "silence on deck." Gabe recognized the voice of Nathan Lavery.
As Gabe grabbed hold of the manropes and stepped out of the barge onto the batten a small swell leapt up between the two hull s and soaked his boat. Damme, thought Gabe, what a way to board my own ship, leaving a wet footprint across the deck.
As Gabe climbed through the entry port the cheers started again. Huzza, Huzza…Huzza for the cap'n.
Hazard, the first lieutenant, Blake, the master; the second lieutenant, Lavery, the bosun, Carpenter; gunner and even the purser were al turned out.
Marine Lieutenant Baugean had the marines turned
out as bright and shiny as if they were on parade. A grinning Sergeant Schniedermirer looked like he had two mouths. His grinning smile was upturned but age old chew'bacy stains left a permanent downward appearance. Taking a step forward, Gabe took off his hat and gave a slight bow to the crew which set the men to howling al over again.
"Flattery men, flattery, do you scallywags think such a welcome will get you any favors? Well, I'm sure none of you deserve it, but today…up spirits…for tomorrow there's work to be done."
The cheers broke out again and was almost deafening. Gabe had to almost shout to make himself heard, "Give me a few minutes, Mr. Hazard, then I'd be pleased if you, the master, and Mr. Lavery would report to my cabin."
"Aye, captain."
"Damme," thought Gabe, "That sounded good, to once again be addressed as captain."
Gabe entered his cabin and felt a peace within him.
Compared to his brother's great cabin it would be insignificant to many, but it was his private space. He recall ed the first day he'd entered it. The deck above had been raised to give head-room. A hatch with a sliding cover had been fixed to give extra daylight when the weather was permissive. His cabin was divided into three sections. To larboard, a section was set aside by a
mahogany divider; his bed was a chest of four drawers not unlike a square box with a rim around the top to hold a feather mattress in place. His bed was suspended from the overhead by four one-inch ropes. This allowed the cot to swing as the ship rolled when in a heavy sea.
To the starboard side was his desk and chair. The starboard side was also divided off but the dividers were not near as elaborate as those on the flagship. Above the desk, sideboards had been built. Without realizing it, Gabe ran his hands over the desk feeling the smooth well -oiled wood. The dark metal fasteners look aged and worn. There on the desk were the captain's standing orders. He'd spent hours preparing it only to throw half of it away after a conversation with his brother, who not only advised, but gave him two copies of his orders book. His first and a second much smaller one.
"The first was from my first command. The second was for Drakkar, " Lord Anthony had explained. "Some captains make the mistake of putting too much in the orders and are forever being summoned. Others don't put enough and the consequence is the same because the men aren't sure what to do. Read these and adjust the orders to fit your ship and your needs. A half dozen absolute do's and don'ts are a good starting point."
"No doubt father had given Gil the same advice," Gabe thought.
"A glass for you sir."
Gabe turned and Dawkins was standing by the divider. "Aye," Gabe replied, "And get yourself a glass.
We have some things to talk over, you and I."
"I thought we might," the old seaman replied. He'd already seen the black man under Dagan's tow.
Dawkins got his glass and set in the armchair beside Gabe's desk. He listened as Gabe explained his commitment to Lum.
"What I thought we'd do," Gabe said, "is this. Lum was at one time a house servant. He's still in good health but like someone else I know probably not fit for daily shipboard work."
"Aye, sir," Dawkins replied, "He's like me in that respect and I ain't ’shamed to say it. ’E's done seen the day he could splice and reef in al manner of seas."
"Right," Gabe answered, "Now what I envisioned is this. You will teach Lum your job, and then since you're an educated man, you will become my secretary."
"Aye, sir, I reckon it's time I used me learning so's it won't go to waste."
"Good," Gabe said, "It's settled." He had been concerned that Dawkins being a territorial old salt might not be as agreeable as he had. However, captain's secretary was somewhat more of a status symbol than captain's servant so to Dawkins' way of thinking, he'd just got a promotion.
Thinking of the arrangement made Gabe think of Faith. Where was she? Did she go to Savannah as she said she would? Was she safe? Did she love him as he loved her? Did she real y think of him as the enemy?
He clutched the empty bag. Did she have the ruby?
Was it next to her heart as she said it would be? The heart that had beat against his heart. The feel of her breast on his chest as they embraced. The feel of her breath against his face. The smell of her fresh washed body. Her hair in his hand as his arms went around her. That kiss, those burning lips that caused flames of desire to rage through his body. "My God," Gabe thought, "she has seized my very soul." Little did Gabe know some seventeen hundred miles south, a blonde-haired girl sat in the porch swing of a three-story mansion looking out at the giant oak trees fill ed with low hanging moss. A gentle breeze blew and a slight chill was in the air. Inside, with al the candles lit it was to warm, outside it was a bit cool but the cool air cut down on swarming mosquitoes.
However, the girl was oblivious to al of this. Her mind was on a tall, dark, British naval officer. "Oh Gabe," Faith thought, "In a moment of impudent pride I've ruined it. I never meant to hurt you," Faith thought recalling the look of disbelief and shock on Gabe's face as she cal ed him ’the enemy'. Had he made his escape she wondered.
She had made her way to Savannah as she had told Gabe she'd do. She was given sanctuary in the home of her father's friend and business partner. Gavin Lacy and his wife, Caroline, had been very kind to her. Faith
had told them about her suspicions of Uncle Adam's activities which had been rumored for some time. It was not much later that word had made its way to Faith that Colonel Francis Marion and General Gates had gone south to Port Royal and confiscated al the supplies her uncle had stored in his warehouse. Some of Montique's men had gotten wind of the impending arrest and warned him that a warrant had been issued for treason and white slavery. Upon hearing the news from his men, Montigue loaded al he could aboard one of his ships and fled just prior to General Gates men's arrival.
One of the slaves got word to Nanny that Montique had vowed to do worse than murder to Faith and the British bastard she'd taken up with. Even with the ever constant protection offered by Mr. Lacy and his men Faith had woken several times from a nightmare where she was being raped repeatedly while her uncle looked on laughing. Nanny had slept in her room for weeks until Faith refused for her to do so another night.
"Just look at you," Faith scolded Nanny, "Sleeping in that chair has got your lumbago so flared up you're worthless to anyone. I'll not be the cause of al your ailments flaring up. From now on you sleep in your bed."
Seeing the truth in Faith's words Nanny agreed,
"You's right child, I's gona sleep in my bed from now on ’wid dis heah hatchet under my pillow, and if a bad man messes ’wid you chile, I's gona chop off his head." still before Nanny went to sleep she prayed, "Lawd, keep yo hands on the missy, dem good-fur-nuthin' men
of ours, and if some left over keep me in mind too Lawd. Amen."
Gabe had met with his officers and caught up on what had happen during his absence.
"The ship is in good repair, we need a few things but are ready for sea now if need be," Hazard had assured Gabe.
Nathan Lavery brought up the subject of Mr. Davy.
"Is Mr. Davy gone for good, sir?" the lieutenant asked.
"If so, we have an opening for another mid." Gabe made a note to check on this when he dined with his brother that evening. He didn't go into specifics but before dismissing his officers, Gabe said, "I have every belief we will be putting to sea very soon to engage a fair size force. When I told the men, tomorrow we work, I meant it. Starting tomorrow I want the crew put through al the drill s. They know sailing and gunnery but I want them to be put through fire drill.
Drill them on what to do if the tiller cable parts and we lose steerage. I want to see who steps forward if al the officers are kill ed."
Looking at the captain, Blake spoke what the others were thinking, "You think we're in for a substantial battle with a sizable force, don't you sir?" Gabe would not lie to his officers, "I have no way of knowing exactly what we're to face, Mr. Blake, but I do
expect the worse. If we prepare for it and there's less…well we can al be thankful."
The officers had gone back topside and Gabe could hear the men padding around on the deck overhead going through their daily activities. Gabe had just finished writing in his journal, crew employed A.T.S.R, the abbreviation for ’as the service requires' when he heard the challenge, "boat ahoy?" Le Frelon!
That could only be Earl, Gabe thought as he grabbed his hat and headed topside. It appeared Lord Anthony had given the corvette to Earl. "It was past time he had his own ship," Gabe thought, "In reality he should have had a command before me." Before he left the cabin, Gabe cal ed out, "Dawkins?"
"Aye, cap'n."
"I'm thinking we're about to have a small celebration. Some glasses and a bit of something tasty if you will."
"Aye, cap'n, right away."
"Lum?"
"Yes suh…aye, sir."
"Get your lotz, I want to show it to my friend." Looking at Dawkins, Lum replied, "Aye, aye sir." Then Lum looked pleased as Dawkins grinned and nodded his head.
"We'll make a sailor outta you yet, Lum, and that's no error."
"The two seemed to be getting along well, " Gabe thought.
Then it occurred to him Dagan had made himself scarce of late and come to think of it so had Caleb, undoubtedly to give him time to clear his thoughts on the ordeal that he had been through…then thinking of Caleb, Gabe thought of Mr. Jewels.
"Damme," Gabe said to himself, "How my mind wonders," as he climbed the companionway he couldn't help but wonder what if any mischief the ape had been up to.
Dagan made his way into SeaWolf’s captain's cabin without the usual announcement by the marine sentry.
He caught Gabe's eye then holding up his watch he alerted him to the time then disappeared into the pantry.
After seeing Dagan, Gabe patted his friend on the shoulder and said, "Stephen, old salt, I hate to be a bad host but its time I sup with the Admiral." Earl then looked at his own watch, "Damme, Gabe where has the time gone? You'd best make headway to the flagship. You can't keep the Admiral waiting even if he is your brother."
"Aye," Gabe answered, "Sometimes it's hard keeping the two separated."
The two had shared more than enough wine, biscuit, fresh preserves and cheese in celebration of Earl's promotion to Master and Commander and being given command of Le Frelon. Now Gabe wondered if he'd be able to do justice to his meal at the flagship.
Earl had enjoyed Lum's lotz and commented on how like a flute it was but still different in tone. "It has a melancholy sound does it not?"
"Aye," Gabe replied, "But Lum can make it dance a jig as well." The three had passed it around and made attempts at mastering the instrument with instructions from Lum. Earl seemed to grasp it more readily than Gabe whose talents seemed to be more with stringed instruments.
Surprisingly Lum did well with Gabe's lute and said he'd played a violin as well. "We have a master musician in our mist," declared Earl, which seemed to please the old black gentleman.
Even with the distinct separation of officers and crew, Lum seemed to be treated better than he'd ever been treated as a slave. Dagan had told him, "You're a slave no more; you're a free man and will be paid for your labors. The Royal Navy don't pay well but it pays and being the cap'n's servant you'll have more freedom than most."
As Earl waited for his gig he shook Gabe's hand.
"Thank you again. Lord Anthony told me you'd thought of me when the corvette was taken." Gabe was touched by the sincereness in his friend's voice.
"Nonsense, Stephen, you were the only real candidate his Lordship had."
"Well, I hope I meet his expectations," Earl replied.
"I'd hate to fail his Lordship in anyway."
"I had the same concerns," Gabe admitted. "There were some whose whispers were not so silent as not to be overheard. It was said that had I not been the son of one admiral and brother of another I'd never been given command at such an early age. A crib captain was one description I heard. Therefore, it was very important for me to succeed and my appointment not be viewed as that of special interest but be viewed as an accomplishment."
Hazard, the first lieutenant, approached the two captains in conversation and stood waiting until he was acknowledged.
"Yes, Mr. Hazard?" Gabe stated.
"My compliments, sir, and Captain Earl's gig is waiting, sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Hazard." As Gabe walked to the entry port with his friend, Earl grasped his arm. He stopped suddenly and faced Gabe.
"The captain's cal tomorrow Gabe…is it something big, something important?" Unsure of what to say but not wanting to make Earl wonder for another several hours he replied, "I'm not sure of what the Admiral's order will be but were it I with a new command and an unproven crew I'd spend time in gunnery drill."
Earl gave Gabe a knowing look, "Gunnery drill it will be then sir. Gunnery drill it'll be."
As Gabe boarded the flagship to dine with his brother he saw Bart smoking his pipe while sitting on one of the huge twelve-pounder cannons.
"Tell me, Bart," Gabe said, "how has Silas and Mr. Jewell s been doing during my absence." Bart's face broke out in a grin, "Ah…Gabe, it's been exciting at times, it has. Silas made a platter full of pastries for ’is Lordship's breakfast and put ’em on the table. Then ’e went to fetch some coffee. When ’e returned ’is Lordship was sitting at the table and al the pastries were gone. Silas thinks ’is Lordship must've been hungry, but he pour's ’is coffee as be usual. He then goes back to ’is ’ole.
"Soon his Lordship cal s, ’Silas, is there anything to break my fast?' Surprised Silas says, ’My Lord, I put a whole platter of berry pastries on the table.' ’Well, they were not here when I sat down.' ’But my Lord, they be right there when I went to fetch your coffee.' ’Well, damme man,' his Lordship growled, ’I didn't eat the damn things and I'm hungry so find something for me directly.' ’Aye, my Lord.' Then Silas puzzled as ’e can be see'd me. ’Did you eat ’is Lordship's pastries, Bart?'
’Nay, I just come up from me own mess,' I swore. Now Silas is real y fit to be tied but ’e busy's himself fixing ’is
Lordship's breakfast. No sooner ’ad ’e set it down for ’is Lordship than Mr. Jewell s let loose ’wid a fart that would make a broadside dull in ’comparysum and stink.
Gaw'd it was terrible. Pure made ’is Lordship's eyes water and ’e gagged like ’e was ’bout to spew.
"'Damme, sir, but that was foul,' he said to Silas, ’is Lordship thinking it was Silas what smelt up the cabin so bad. Then ’der was a ’nutter fart only Silas was at ’is Lordship's side and the fart sounded from the pantry.
This ’un smelt worse than the first and set his Lordship to gagging again. Not wanting Silas to have to clean-up spew from ’is Lordship, I took hold and said, ’Come with me sir, let's go topside to breathable air.' We bout knocked the sentry arsehole over tea kettle as we flew from the cabin. The marine looking ill ’is ownself as the smell follered us outta the cabin.
"It was just a minute or two when I seen ole Silas aft by the taffrail. He was greener than a frog at the gills.
’Silas, what's wrong ’wid you man?' ’It were the ape.'
’The ape?' I quizzed. ’Aye, the ape what done it. It was him that ate ’is Lordship's whole tray of pastries. He ’ad berry stains on ’is face and fingers.'"
"Ah," I said, "Them berries gave ’im the farts."
"Nay," Silas said, "Not farts, shats. That ape done shat al in ’is Lordship's pantry."
Gabe laughed til his eyes watered at Bart's story.
"Took a barrel-o-lemons squeezed on the deck two or three times a day for a week for the smell to finally go about. His Lordship promised a flogging if Silas ever brought Mr. Jewell s back in ’is cabin. That night the
flag captain took pity on ’is Lordship and gave an invitation to be ’is guest for supper.
Gabe was still in a humorous mood as he made his way to the great cabin. As he was announced he couldn't help but notice the table was only set for two.
So this was an unofficial meeting. Brothers, not admiral and lieutenant.
"Ah, Gabe, I've missed you boy."
"I've missed you too, Gil," Gabe replied, using his brother's name. "I had times when I worried we'd not see each other again."
"I worried about that also, but trusting in God and Dagan's lady luck, I wouldn't give up on you." Gabe could see moisture in his brother's eye and feeling it build in his eye quickly changed the tone of the meeting. "I say, Gil, while I was being held I thought I'd starve and the only thing I could think of was Silas'
berry pastries. Did you and Mr. Jewell s eat them al or is any left?"
Gil looked blank at first then a smile creased his face. "That damn ape. I ought to have the damn thing set adrift. A menace he is, but now that Caleb's back, I guess he'll be your worry. Speaking of Caleb, he seems changed somehow. Not the rash, glib tongue he usual y is."
"Aye," Gabe replied, "I think the man has been shot by one of cupid's arrows."
With the two brothers looking at each other Gil replied, "I understand you may have been pierced by one of those arrows yourself."
A smile touched Gabe's face and shaking his head in acknowledgement he said, "Dagan or Caleb or both has been talking too much, but I'll not deny it. An angel to look upon but a mouth like a sailor at times. I have lost my heart," a sincere Gabe said to his brother, again feeling moisture return to his eyes.
Gil stood and walked over to where his brother sat and clapped a hand across his shoulders, "It must have been rough."
It was then it al came forth, al the pent-up emotions came flooding out. Gil stood silently; hand on his brother's back supporting him and listened as Gabe described his ordeal. A silent Bart and Silas sat in the pantry. Dagan had told part of it but now the true depth of the ordeal came through.
"Aye," Bart thought, "brothers but more like father and son."
By the time Gabe had bared his soul, his concerns over his actions as commander in charge of the convoy, his captivity and his lost love he was feeling much better.
A burden lifted.
Gil was careful in his wording of his thoughts on leaving the convoy in the hands of someone less experienced. However, the information obtained because of it had proved most important. They would have to wait and see how things ultimately played out.
Then the subject changed to Faith. "Do you think it could work out, Gil?" Gabe's voice almost pleaded for an affirmative.
"I don't know Gabe. I know I never loved ’til I met Lady Deborah. Had it not been for Lord McKean's death by those blackguards, we would have never been as one. Therefore, al I can say is if it was meant to be, it will be."
The two then dined on cod, green beans, new potatoes, and hot bread and after a light wine, coffee and berry pastries. They talked of their father and family in England.
Then as the evening was drawing near, Gabe asked,
"Will you put forth a battle plan tomorrow?"
"Aye," Gil replied. ’I've no doubt in the reliability of those papers; I just fear we will be spread to thin with such a few ships. I've sent a fair copy of the plans to Admiral Lord Howe and Admiral Graves in case Admiral Howe is not reached. But, aye, I fear we have a battle before us. One that is coming from al points."
"I'll do my duty," Gabe said stoical y.
"I've no doubt," Gil said, "Not as your brother or as your admiral. But be careful, you've had enough close cal s already. Your mother and Lady Deborah would never forgive me if I allowed anything else to happen to you."
"Don't worry," Gabe replied. "I'll take care. I've a rendezvous with a blonde-haired beauty in the southern colonies. Say, Gil, what would my children look like
with a dark handsome father and a beautiful blonde mother?"
"I don't know what they'd look like but they'd be imps every one, I'm thinking."
"Aye, imps they'd be."
"Gabe."
"Yes!"
"Happy birthday!"
"Damme Gil, I'd forgotten, I can't believe I forgot my own birthday."
"You didn't, it's not til tomorrow."
"Tomorrow."
"Aye, tomorrow, Gabe."