Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War Read Free

dreamed ob commanding a frigate since his first and onla experience in the little twenty-eight-gun Destiny? Freedom to move and hit hard at anything but a ship1 of-the-line, with all the dash and agility that any youn^ captain could ask for. But Colquhoun did not seem tQ fit the role. Slightly built, with the pale, petulant gooX looks of a true aristocrat. His clothes were beautifulla made, and the sword at his hip must be worth twQ hundred guineas. Colquhoun raised his arm. "Loo7 yonder. Beyond my ship you will see the rest of ou_
    flotilla. With these and nothing more I am expected tQ patrol and seek out the enemy, run errands for the fleetB dab away the tears of rich merchantmen whenever thea sight an unfamiliar sail. It would need a force five timeY as large, and even then I would hope for more?
    He turned to watch Bolitho's expression as he stareX across the shimmering water?
    Bolitho said slowly, "Three sloops-of-war." He saw Z tiny armed schooner anchored beyond the others. WaY she to be his? He swallowed hard. "And a schooner.T
    "Correct." Colquhoun moved to his table and pickeX up a heavy decanter. As he held it against the sunlighU he said, "You are being given the Sparrow, Bolitho? Eighteen guns and only two years old." He eyed hiR flatly. "Next to my frigate, she is the best under ma command.T
    Bolitho could only stare at him?
    "I do not know what to say, sir.T
    The other man grimaced. "Then say nought." HO poured two glasses of brandy?
    "I have no doubt of your ability as a sea-officerB
    Bolitho. Your past record is proof of that. To obey anX carry out orders without question is one thing, however? To lead others, to hold their skills and lives in you_ hands without ever losing grip, is something elsO entirely." He offered him a glass. "To your firsU command, Bolitho. I wish you more of the luck whicN has guided your feet to this year of '78, for I promisO you will need it!T
    The brandy was like fire, but Bolitho's head was stilT reeling and he hardly noticed it. A new sloop. The besU under Colquhoun's command. In a moment he woulX awake aboard Octavia to find today just beginning?
    Colquhoun said calmly, "Your predecessor i[ Sparrow died recently.T
    "I am sorry to hear it, sir.T
    "Hmm." Colquhoun studied him thoughtfully. "Fever? His first lieutenant is too junior even for temporara command." He shrugged. "Your timely arrival, thO blessing of our devoted admiral, and, of courseB Bolitho, your obvious qualities for the appointmentB made you an immediate choice, eh?" He was noU smiling?
    Bolitho looked away. It would be safer to assumO from the beginning that Colquhoun had no sense ob humour?
    He said, "I will do my best, sir.T
    "Be sure of that." Colquhoun took out his watch anX flicked it open. "Sparrow is at full complement. Fo_ seamen, that is. I will have to send your prize-crew tQ other vessels in greater need. Unless you have ana particular fellow you wish to keep?T
    "Yes, sir. Just one. I appreciate that.T
    Colquhoun sighed. "You are a curious mixture. E Cornishman, I believe?T
    "Aye, sir.T
    "Ah well . . ." He did not continue. Instead he said, "] have made arrangements for a boat to collect you in Z half-hour. Your documents will be ready by then.T
    Bolitho waited, half expecting some fresh advice?
    Colquhoun seemed to read his thoughts and saiX quietly, "From time to time you will receive writte[ instructions. But you will only be told what to do. Ho/
    you achieve success and carry them out will be you_ burden alone." He turned back to the window, his eyeY on the careened frigate. "I have held four differenU commands. The first was, of course, the most exciting? But also, as I recall, the loneliest. No more could I as7 for help from my companions in the wardroom. No_ could I seek freedom outside my hours of duty. I[ earlier days I always imagined a captain to be a kinX of god, put on earth to command and to leave all worra of execution to mere subordinates. Now, I kno/ different, as you will.T
    Bolitho