The captain chuckled, no longer afraid of Duncan. `Me. I never sleep! Only my body sleeps!’ He punched the big Australian playfully on the stomach. `Your captain a good fella!’ He beamed at both of them and then hurried to the wheel.

  Duncan shook his head and grimaced sourly. `What in hell’s name has got into him?’

  ‘He’s given me an idea, Steve. In fact, I’m going to try and break out after all. Whatever the damned consequences!’

  Duncan listened unbelievingly,-as the little captain screamed out a string of orders at his depleted crew. Taking the wheel, he spun the spokes with deft eagerness and watched anxiously as his men scrambled up the sagging rigging. The ship veered round, and as the first patched sail was unleashed, the captain gasped with pleasure. As he turned briefly towards the two officers, they saw that his eyes were wet.

  `For years I have waited to sail my Ametisa! Now for the first time since this accursed war begins, she will fly like a bird!’

  Soon the thin jibsails crept skywards from the bowsprit, while aft the poop was darkened by the impressive beauty of the swinging spanker, which even the stains and patches could not spoil. The schooner leaned over on her side and stayed there, as the wind thrust steadily at her new power.

  Duncan leaned against the tilting rail and whistled with amazement.

  `Well, can you beat that! These damned Eye-ties! He makes the flamin’ ship move an’ now he’s cryin’ ! That really beats everythin’!’

  Curtis propelled him to the hatch. `Get George and tell him the sky’s the limit! I want every last bit of power! And you lay off a new course that’ll take us to the north-east of the Gargano Peninsular!’

  Duncan bit his lip and watched the new light which gleamed from Curtis’s eyes.

  `Don’t bank too much on this, Ralph! It might not come off you know.’

  But Curtis lifted his head with complete confidence and calm.

  `What is there to lose now?’ he asked simply.

  Duncan shouted Curtis’s instructions to Taylor’s incredulous face above the roar of the diesel, and was only sure that he had understood when the little man seized his hand and danced dangerously on the oily catwalk.

  He heard a series of disjointed yelps. `… another chance! Show the bleedin’ …’ and nodded in agreement.

  He ran quickly to the after hatch, ducking his head beneath the long, unfamiliar boom, and glanced up at the towering sail. His craggy face creased into a reluctant smile.

  `Good on yer, you little Eye-tie sea-cook! But I’ll believe it all when I see it!’

  He was about to step into the cabin when he stiffened, as Jervis called through the opposite door.

  `Is that you, Steve? Can I speak to you for a moment?’ Duncan’s smile vanished, and he paused uncertainly in the sloping passage-way.

  `Please, Steve. I want to try and explain!’

  Duncan’s eyes met those of the soldier who sat crouched outside the door. He was the one with half his hand missing. Duncan had seen him moving unsurely about the deck gazing dazedly at the fat dressing on the end of his arm. Duncan remembered the water, and his face hardened.

  `It’s me! Ian!’ the voice called again.

  Duncan patted the soldier’s shoulder vaguely and moved towards the chart. Over his shoulder he called, `Never heard of him!’ He slammed the door behind him and stared down at the chart, his eyes angry. `Blast the ruddy war!’ he said.

  True to the captain’s promise, the Ametisa had taken on new life, and with her frayed rigging thrumming in the wind and her deck beams shuddering to the increased vibration of the engine, she flung herself joyfully across the water.

  Curtis stayed with the vigilant captain, the chart folded beneath his arm and an unlit pipe clamped between his strong teeth. Never before, not even on the most hazardous operation, had he felt the agony of passing time. Each unfamiliar movement by one of the soldiers, or a change of expression on the captain’s face, made him steel himself in readiness for a change of plans to meet a new crisis. A small fishing fleet, a mere cluster of black dots in the distance, passed with maddening slowness, and he thought it typical of fishermen the world over to carry on with their trade regardless of the world’s happenings.

  Signor Zecchi came on deck and sniffed the air with obvious satisfaction.

  Curtis spoke softly to the plump man at his side. `Not a word to him about what we’re doing. Not yet at any rate.’ He was not even sure himself why he felt such uneasiness at the mayor’s presence, but something about the man’s complete self-confidence and the bland lack of expression on his smooth face, made him cautious.

  `We are moving nicely, Lieutenant. It is making a great difference to set the sails so.’

  `Yes. With this following wind we are getting another four knots out of her.’

  `When do you, expect to make a landfall?’ The question was light, yet Curtis sensed the strain in his voice.

  `It is hard to say exactly. We have drifted quite a bit. And of course the navigation is quite difficult under these circumstances.’

  Signor Zecchi’s eyes watched him closely. `Perhaps we shall sight a patrol ship soon. It would be advisable to signal her if so. My daughter and I could transfer to more comfortable quarters, and you would receive better assistance for your charges.’

  `Perhaps.’ And we would be clapped in irons, he thought. `I expect that all major war vessels will be congregating in the south.’

  `It is a pity we have no radio aboard. It would be good to know what is happening down there.’

  Curtis sensed a challenge being offered, and smiled briefly. `There can be little doubt about the final outcome, surely?

  Whatever happens to us, nothing can stop the Allied armies now. If your country persists in its resistance, it will suffer much damage and misery.’

  `The battle is not over yet, Lieutenant!’ His voice was stiff. `The Germans will not give up without a fight!’

  `I see. You mean you’ve already thought that your people might give up?’

  ‘Never!’ The black eyes flashed with sudden anger. `We are of one mind! One basic principle binds us in a common shield against the invader!’

  Curtis grinned. `Calm yourself, please! You’re not addressing a political rally now!’

  Behind him the captain chuckled, and the mayor glared fiercely towards him.

  `You will do well to mind your manners, Captain! I have a good memory!’

  The captain stared calmly at the sails. `Forgive me, signore. I am only an ignorant sailor.’

  The mayor snorted, and with his hands bunched into his pockets, he stalked forward towards the fo’c’sle.

  The captain watched him go. His eyes were narrow slits when he spoke.

  `I think maybe it would be better if -he did not reach our destination!’

  `No. We cannot blame him for his opinions. Besides,’ he smiled wearily, `we don’t know what is going on behind us.

  He has been missed by his friends, and for all we know, they might have seen through our whole scheme.’

  ‘Hmmm!’ He was unconvinced. `Tell me, signore, did you see that dock blow up? The one in Vigoria?’ ,No. We were clear by then.’

  `It must be a terrible thing to carry out such destruction.’ The captain studied Curtis curiously. `Does it bother you at all?’

  ‘It is war. It is never good to remember things like that.’

  The captain laughed with sudden gaiety. `You are not like the Germans ! They would be boasting of their achievements by now, if they were in your position!’

  Carla Zecchi walked quickly across the poop from the hold. She stood momentarily by the rail, breathing deeply, her head held upwards against the blue sky.

  Curtis saw the dress tighten across her rounded breasts with each breath, and felt his heart beat with excitement which he was unable to control. She’s lovely, he thought. So slim and yielding, and yet in some ways harder than all of us.

  I wonder what she thinks about me? I practically accused her of sabotaging the water supply. It seemed the only explanation at the time. He walked slowly towards her, and stood just behind her at the rail.

  As his shadow fell across her body she turned and looked up at him. He had expected animosity, or open hostility, but her eyes held only a strange sadness.

  `How are the wounded, signorina?’ His voice was almost gruff, and he felt clumsy beside her.

  `The same. They are all very strong men fortunately. I think they will survive the journey.’

  `I see.’

  Curtis stared at the water as it surged and gurgled along the wooden hull. He tried to think of something to say, but her unwavering eyes made thought difficult.

  `In England you would talk about the weather?’

  He darted a quick glance at her, expecting taunts or sarcasm.

  She smiled gravely, her small teeth gleaming. `What is it you wish to say to me? If it is an apology, I would rather hear about the weather!’

  He laughed bitterly. `Nevertheless, I am sorry about all that has happened to you. You have been a tremendous help right from the start. I am sure that had my duty permitted otherwise, things might have been very different.’ He paused, again uncertain of how to continue.

  She turned her head away from him, and her tanned neck was close to his face. Painfully close it seemed.

  `Will you try to escape again when we reach the land?’ Her voice was soft. `You will surely not allow yourself to be taken prisoner now that you have got so far?’

  ‘I don’t know yet what I shall do.’

  She twisted round again to face him, her eyes puzzled. `That I find hard to believe. You do not strike me as a man who fails to make preparations.’

  Curtis grinned awkwardly. `You forget. We are enemies.’ `Yes, that is so. I wish it could be otherwise.’

  He studied her face with sudden intentness. `I believe you

  meant that!’

  `Perhaps. I have had much time to think on this ship. And I know you have done what you had to do. Just as my father has acted with devotion and loyalty in the past.’ She shook her head angrily and the plait danced down her back. `The past! It is the future which is so terrifying!’ She looked straight into his eyes. `For all of us!’

  She moved as if to leave him, and he knew that he needed her to stay.

  `Perhaps after the war we may meet again? Things might be different then.’

  `Let us not even talk of the future, please!’ Her eyes were filled with concern. `But I will tell you one thing.’ She was facing the sea once more, and he had to bend his head to catch the words. `I am glad that I have known you.’ She moved aside, as he half reached out to touch her. `Let us leave it at that. For us there may be no future at all, so let us be content.’ She almost ran back to the hold, and Curtis was left staring blankly at the empty deck.

  It was the final twist of fate. If he had found such a girl before … in other circumstances. He halted his racing thoughts. There could be no other girl. But she had tried to tell him that hope was wasted. When the world shuddered in its torment, there was no longer any room for the little people and their desires.

  Duncan swayed towards him, his boots thudding on the sloping deck.

  `Hey, Ralph! What’s into you?’ He stood straddle-legged by the lee rail, his eyes squinting against the glare.

  Curtis shrugged heavily. How could he even begin to explain?

  `I’m tired, that’s all. How’s everything going?’

  `Fair. There’s another meal on the way, an’ most of the pongoes are tryin’ to get some sleep. If only we could give ‘em a bit of professional treatment, they’d be fine.’ He dropped his voice. ‘D’you really think we’ve got a chance?’

  Curtis hid the surprise which welled up inside him. It was odd to see the defeat on Duncan’s face. He had always been the driver; the unbreakable rock around which_ their small team had been built, and now he had changed.

  `Well, we’ve a chance of some sort. That’s all I can tell you.’

  Duncan smiled grimly. `It’s certainly done wonders for you anyway. You look like a new bloke. At one time I thought you were startin’ to throw a fit of tantrums!’

  `I was.’ Curtis’s voice was quiet. `I think this business has been a real test for all of us.’

  `Jesus! It’s one I can do without!’ He stared morosely at the sea. `It’s like we’re not movin’. I wish to God we had a real boat!’

  Taylor climbed out of his hatchway and nodded to them. `Nice day, all!’ He sauntered across, wiping his filthy hands on a signal flag. `Why the glum faces then? I thought we was all fixed up.’

  Curtis looked at them and pointed to the horizon. `When that starts to darken, I’ll feel a bit better. In any case, don’t breathe a word to anyone about our idea. Not even to the soldiers. No need to raise their hopes unnecessarily.’

  Duncan nodded his huge head. `I was just thinkin’. It’s queer without Ian. Sort of busted up the team, I mean.’

  `Maybe there was more to it than we know, Steve. He’s new to this sort of thing, remember.’

  `We was all new once, Skipper!’ Taylor’s eyes gleamed with sudden fury. ‘It was all wrong! I feel all let down like!’

  He waved the flag vaguely. `No, ‘e didn’t ‘ave ter do that!’ `We’ll talk about it later.’

  `Might not be time, Ralph.’ Duncan rubbed his chin. `If

  we run into trouble, I’m makin’ a break for it.’

  The others regarded him thoughtfully.

  Taylor was the first to speak. ‘Wivout us, yer mean?’ He

  sounded incredulous.

  Curtis smiled with a calmness he did not feel. `When the time comes, we’ll stay a team. Got that?’

  Duncan sighed deeply. `You’re nuts, Ralph. But we’ll see.’

  Taylor relaxed, his thin face dark with indignation. `An’ I should fink so, too! We ain’t in the blessed outback now yer know! This is the Royal bloody Navy, ain’t it?’

  Curtis strode back to the wheel, his heart pounding. For the first time in his life he knew what it was to feel a leader. They really did need him! Before this he had always regarded his position as a mere clause in an act, a signature on a piece of paper.

  He looked towards the open hold, hoping to see the girl again, and suddenly began to whistle.

  The darkness was so complete that the schooner was enclosed and encircled, a world apart, sharing the night only with the slender crescent of the moon, which hung cold and aloof over the main-truck. The wind had lost its persistent force, and came instead in short, blustery puffs, which whipped the black oily surface of the sea into a shimmering mass of dancing catspaws, and splintered the moon’s faint reflection into a broken necklace of silver, whilst above the decks, the limp sails billowed suddenly into shape, the coarse canvas booming and cracking with fury, before falling loose and useless as before.

  The beat of the engine had softened into a slow confident rumble, and added to the general feeling of tenseness which hung over the vessel as it crept towards the as yet invisible shore.

  Curtis shivered slightly and turned up the collar of his jacket.

  `How long now, d’you think?’ He spoke with quiet fierceness to the Italian captain, who merely shrugged his shoulders, his face hidden in the darkness.

  `Half hour, maybe less. It is a long time since I was here.’

  Curtis strained his eyes along the ship’s length, as if by so doing he might suddenly see his objective. He was getting jumpy again, and tried to reason calmly with the problem which faced him.

  `What sort of place is this anyway?’ he asked, and immediately regretted the impulse. He had already examined the chart in great detail with Duncan, and had got a fairly clear picture from the captain, too. But now that supposition and planning had passed by and the whole operation was budding into a grim reality, he felt he wanted to be assured once. more.

  The captain sighed and glanced over the helmsman’s stooped shoulder at the dim binnacle light.

  `It is but a tiny place. ‘Bout the size of the village where we all met.’ He chuckled to himself. `Nothing there except a bit of a jetty and a few fishing boats. Ver’ poor place, forgotten, useless. But I think it will suit our purpose.’ He lapsed into silence again.

  Duncan padded out of the darkness of the half-deck and peered down at the compass.

  `I’ve spoken to the pongoes an’ told ‘em what we’re tryin’ to do. Most of ‘em seemed to think you’re a mug for botherin’ about ‘em, but I think that they realize it’s the only thing to do now.’

  `How are our prisoners? Keeping quiet?ff

  ‘I went along to see that they were O.K. an’ had been fed. That Jerry, Beck, or whatever his name is, kicked up a fuss of course, but I gave him one of his uniforms to wear, an’ think that cheered him up a bit. The master race didn’t take very kindly to sitting in his underpants in front of his friends!’

  Another shadow glided silently along the poop, and Curtis caught the faint scent of the girl’s hair as she crossed to his side.

  `Soon now?’ she enquired. `I cannot keep still for wondering what will happen next.’

  They all jumped as the captain grunted and pointed towards the bows with evident satisfaction. A light stabbed the darkness half-heartedly three times and then left them in darkness once more.

  Curtis shook his head with admiration. `That was Vieste Light? You certainly know this coast very well, Captain!’

  `What did I tell you, signore? I do not need charts! I can smell my way!’

  `Say, how come we’ve only just seen that light?’ Duncan sounded irritable.

  `Simple, my friend! It has been hid by the headland. Now we are running into a tiny bay, the one I showed you on the chart. North-west of Vieste.’

  The light stabbed the night again. Three flashes apparently suspended in the curtain of night.

  The old grey-headed seaman scuttled down from the fo’c’sle and called softly to the captain.

  `He can see the coast. He has good eyes, that one!’

  He rapped out an order and his men began to shorten sail, the noise of the clattering blocks and stiff canvas against the spars seeming to drown even the note of the engine.