They sat at a table eating heartily, consuming quantities of the local sausage and great hunks of bread, and washing the whole lot down with pot upon pot of coffee. The residents of this tavern were obviously not early risers, since no one else appeared. Harry, facing the harbour across the table, had a slightly glazed look, wrapped up in his thoughts.

  James held his hand in front of his mouth and exhaled. We must find some parsley, Harry. The amount of garlic in this sausage is quite remarkable."

  "I confess, James, my mind was on other things."

  "Spare me more of your speculations. James waved the remains of his sausage in his brother's direction. I feel we should call upon Captain Broadbridge to thank him Harry. Afterall, he did save our lives

  "A capital idea, brother. Harry used his sausage to point towards the tavern door behind his brother. Though I fear we are too late."

  James spun round just as Broadbridge came through the door. Harry was already on his feet, still with a sausage and a hunk of bread in his hand. Good morning, Captain Broadbridge. I trust I find you well?"

  "Well enough, sir. As well as any man can be on two hours sleep."

  "You were out most of the night?"

  "I was that, and to little purpose. Broadbridge looked about the empty room, seemingly surprised that there was no one about. He called out for a bottle of wine, and as he sat down at their table, Harry caught a whiff of drink on his breath. This wine would not be his first of the day.

  "We've not had a proper chance to thank you, said James. And because of your generosity we were afforded a chance to get more sleep than you."

  Harry looked at his brother with something less than humour, longing to tell James that he was speaking for himself. Again Broad-bridge looked around, as though someone he wanted to see must be there.

  "We will, of course, find other accommodation today, Captain, but if we can leave our small chest in your rooms, I'd be much obliged."

  Broadbridge just nodded. His mind was elsewhere. When the door at the back of the tavern opened, he looked up keenly, but his face registered disappointment at what he saw, for it was only one of the serving girls carrying a bucket and mop.

  "You have come ashore for a purpose? asked James, seeing both the look and the disappointment.

  "I have that. I arranged to meet Bartholomew here at ten of the clock. By my reckoning he's late."

  James pulled out his watch. Not by much, Captain, a mere five minutes, if this is correct."

  The man's flat face took on a slightly dissatisfied look. I'm told you met last night. Quite taken with you he was, Mr. Ludlow, by all accounts, though he was no surer of your purpose here than I am."

  Harry was sick of all this pretence, quite putting his role in the subterfuge aside. I doubt that there's much about us that either you or Captain Bartholomew don't know. Thanks to certain people our every intention was the talk of the port.

  The older man's face betrayed just a hint of impatience. Yet you chose not to let on.

  James cut in. Captain Broadbridge. You saved our lives last night, and if anyone was to be privy to our plans it would be you. But as yet they are mere speculation."

  He raised his eyebrows. So you are not looking for a ship?"

  "It is possible that we are, said James.

  Broadbridge sat forward, with his elbows on the table, adopting a more aggressive pose. Those I spoke to seemed pretty sure. And they was just as sure that you had the means to do so."

  It was Harry's turn to speak. If you are a sailor, sir, I need hardly tell you of the problems associated with gossip."

  "So you're not carrying gold?"

  "Yes. But I doubt it is in the quantity that you have come to believe."

  "Believe. He sat back, a slightly mocking smile on his lips. I do believe that it's been suggested that you sail from here. In fact, there was a hint that I turn in my share so that you could purchase it."

  Harry looked right into Broadbridge's pale blue eyes, wondering how something that had been the merest suggestion had gained sufficient currency to cause the older man a problem. True, he had remarked on it himself, but that was done in privacy. There was no malice in Broadbridge's eyes, more a look of enquiry, with a hint of disappointment at their prevarication. The truth, Captain Broadbridge..

  "Would be appreciated, sir."

  Harry bridled at this. Yet he held his anger in check, for he had the feeling that the man opposite wouldn't have mentioned it if someone had not already assured him that there was substance in his suspicions.

  "My brother spoke the truth. Nothing is decided. I am in the market for a ship, but we only landed here on our way to Leghorn. Bartholomew suggested last night that we might sail from here."

  Broadbridge cut in, his voice angry. So it was him."

  "To call it a suggestion is to give it an importance it scarcely warrants, said James. Broadbridge raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Mind, it would be foolish to pretend that the idea had not occurred to my brother. After all, it seems that the captains here are doing well, which we have been informed is not the case further down the coast. But if someone has implied that we have sought to dislodge you, sir, then they are lying, for that was never mentioned."

  Harry had not taken his eyes off Broadbridge since he'd sat down, and Bartholomew's question about the man came to mind. Taken with what he'd observed last night, what he saw before him now did not overly impress him. It had nothing to do with liking the man. He was a personable enough fellow, with a cheerful manner and a kindly disposition being his abiding traits, who had come to their rescue, and no doubt saved their lives. But he lacked authority. It was in his eyes and his demeanour. He had little control over his men, and none whatever over the likes of Ma Thomas.

  Harry knew, more than most, that if there was one thing needed on the quarter-deck of a ship, especially a privateer, it was that quality of leadership that would cause men to obey you unquestioningly. It stemmed from ability. And ability came from experience. Broadbridge may have hidden depths, but if he did they were well obscured from Harry Ludlow, as near to a trained eye as it was possible to get. Harry had the impression that Broadbridge was no true blue-water sailor, and certainly not the stuff of the successful privateer. And for that reason, in spite of what they owed, he decided to go on the offensive.

  "I believe you too are in the market for a ship yourself."

  "Who told you that?"

  Harry fixed him with a glacial stare. It would be as well to remember that we are all the object of loose tongues. If you care to tell me that it is untrue, Captain Broadbridge, then I shall most certainly take your word for it. I would esteem it a kindness if you would extend the same courtesy to my brother and I."

  Harry decided that a lie would benefit all concerned. No one mentioned you last night except me, and that was only to inform Captain Bartholomew that we were the recipients of both your good timing, and your most generous hospitality. If he has taken it upon himself to imply something else ..

  "It wasn't Bartholomew."

  "Then whoever it was, I urge you to put it out of your mind, for I would say you have been practised upon."

  The older man's face cleared, and he leant forward again, relaxed this time, and took a great swig from his tankard. I owe you an apology, sir. I'm venting my spleen in the wrong place."

  "Would it be beyond the bounds of good manners to ask where it should be directed? asked James.

  "Bartholomew and I had words last night, and I dare say what I had to say to him did not endear me to him. I find myself strapped for funds. The Dido is a good enough vessel, but not a proper one for what needs doin', so I can see how the other captains would be reluctant to let me cruise alongside them."

  "They sail together? asked Harry, mildly surprised.

  Broadbridge nodded impatiently, as though the answer to Harry's question was obvious. Yet privateers almost invariably cruised alone. The very nature of the men who did such work mitigated against combination.

  The older man frowned. All my monies are tied up in this place. Tell the truth I'm having trouble in feeding the hands. I must get to sea, and in the right kind of vessel. One voyage will set me to rights."

  To Harry this was just another manifestation of his lack of ability. His words echoed those of the previous night.

  "You seem very sure, Captain Broadbridge. But let me tell you there is nothing certain at sea. Success requires a degree of luck. It would be folly to pin all your hopes on one voyage."

  Broadbridge smiled, and tapped the side of his flat nose with a finger, as if to say, that's all you know'. But if he had good grounds for confidence, he was not about to share them.

  J ames gave Harry a quick look before speaking. If you are so strapped for funds, Captain Broadbridge, my brother and I would esteem it, as no more than your due, to offer you some assistance."

  "Why that is most kind of you, Mr. Ludlow. And I won't pretend, hearing what I did, that approachin you for some help did not come to mind. Why, rumour had it you was carrying the proceeds of a Spanish plate fleet."

  "Sailors love to gild the lily, said Harry.

  "They do that. I knew that the tale had grown in the telling, but when I returned here last night, I had half a mind to call."

  James gave Harry another look before speaking, and was pleased to see his brother respond with a nod. I hope that you will not take it as a blow to your pride if I say that the offer still stands."

  "It would never do, Mr. Ludlow."

  "Why ever not?"

  "It would be like presenting a bill for helping you.

  "I can think of many less deserving reasons, sir. When you came to our rescue last night, what prompted you to do so?"

  "I heard you shouting, in English of course. It was plain you were in dire straits. Couldn't leave a fellow countryman in the lurch."

  James slapped his hand on the table. Then neither can we, Captain Broadbridge, even if his calls for help are more muted."

  Broadbridge's manner changed completely, his frown disappeared and he spoke rapidly, making interruption impossible. Then I can do no more than accept, sir. For not to do so would be an insult. A hundred guineas would see to my immediate needs, and if your offer still holds after that, then it will strengthen me in my negotiations with the syndicate. Nothing like another source of funds to concentrate the mind, I always say. And rest assured I will provide security."

  Harry looked at his brother, wondering if he had the same feeling that they'd just been caught in a trap. You refer to your share in this inn?"

  "I do not, sir. Why, I have investments in abundance. Loath to part with them, of course, for they're worth a mint now and set to grow. I cannot take your help without putting something solid up to cover it.

  "You're too generous, said James with biting irony. He too had the look of a man who'd just been stung.

  "Nonsense, sir. Broadbridge looked around with an exaggerated air of conspiracy, then spoke in a whisper.

  "And to show how much I appreciate your kindness, I maybe able to put you in the way of a good opportunity. For if you've got funds for investment, then I may be in a position to make you a pile. I believe that Bart and I finally struck a bargain the other night, so I doubt I'll need your help. But the thought of all that money doing nothing, why it's a disgrace, I say."

  Broadbridge leant even closer. He looked as though he was about to try and sell something. Harry spoke quickly to avoid it. I was given to understand you had a particular ship in mind."

  He fixed Harry with a distrustful look again, yet the merest novice could have guessed where the information came from.

  "I do."

  "And you've been after it for some time, I gather? said James.

  "That's so, and many an obstacle put in my path, I can tell you. I had hellish difficulty in finding out who owned it, for a start. She's sitting out there in the outer roads. Has been for weeks, since she came out of the dockyard. I put out a number of feelers saying I was interested. Think they'd be glad to talk to me, but nothing has come back."

  "Captain Broadbridge. If you don't know the owner, how do you know it's for sale?"

  Again Broadbridge tapped the side of his nose, and adopted a cunning air. I know now. It was just a case of unlocking the mystery."

  Broadbridge pushed himself back from the table, and treated himself to a hearty laugh. But he declined to share the joke with the Ludlows.

  "You're sure she's the right type of vessel?"

  "I am. And you can see from her lines she's a flyer. I shall strike a bargain on the spot if I can."

  Again he exposed himself, for no experienced captain would ever buy a ship before he'd had a chance to take it out to sea. Broadbridge might be lucky. But there again, he might make an expensive error. Captain Broadbridge, I have some knowledge in these matters. If you feel the need of a second opinion, I would be happy to cast an eye over her myself."

  Broadbridge's face closed up quickly.

  There curiosity, I do assure you, Captain Broadbridge, plus a love of ships. But Harry knew he had said the wrong thing. And he was given no opportunity to repair the sudden suspicion he'd created in the older man's mind, for at that moment the door at the rear of the tap-room opened and Bartholomew entered, dressed as he had been the night before.

  He paused when he saw them all sitting together, leaving them in no doubt that he considered such a gathering worthy of a second thought. Broadbridge stood up, and hurried towards him. Bartholomew nodded to Harry, with just a ghost of a smile, before turning his attention to Broadbridge. He gave the man approaching him a cold look, and they exchanged no greetings. His voice carried no hint of friendship when he spoke.

  "I think we would be best to transact our business in my rooms. With that, he turned and went back through the door.

  Broadbridge came back to the table, rubbing his hands together. If you could see your way to that little loan, gentlemen?"

  James and Harry had to pool their funds for that. Broadbridge chattered throughout, assuring them what a good friend they'd made in William Broadbridge. Once he had the money, he followed in Bartholomew's direction, calling loudly to Ma Thomas that he wished to settle his bill.

  "Well, said Harry. We're a hundred guineas lighter for that exchange."

  James, knowing that he was at fault, didn't reply. He drained the last of his coffee. What now, Harry?"

  "Fetch Pender. Let's get our things ashore and safely stowed, said Harry. After last night I shall demand an escort from Barnes."

  CHAPTER TEN

  And demand is precisely what Harry did, in the man's cabin, at seven bells in the forenoon watch, and to a Barnes who was incensed by his tone.

  "I would remind you that I command here."

  "And I would remind you, sir, that I am not someone to take such obvious condescension lightly. I do not take kindly to being left ignored on a ship's deck waiting for the first available boat, while the entire ship's crew indulge themselves in drink."

  Mr.. Ludlow, spluttered Barnes, half angry, half guilty.

  "In drink, sir! shouted Harry, making no attempt to moderate the level of his voice, even though the skylight above his head was open, and his words could be heard plainly on the deck. Not to mention all manner of other things. Left hanging about until it was dark, and nearly killed for your want of good manners, and I suspect more than a pinch of pure envy. It would be interesting to see how the ship's log looks when you muster the hands. Every officer drunk, and the crew going ashore in droves. You put your pleasure before your duty, sir.

  The shot struck home. Barnes must know by now how many sailors he'd lost, and sober, he must have realized that he had little chance of seeing them again before he sailed. And he would be called to account for it. It was not in Harry's nature to do anything to make his situation worse, but Barnes didn't know that..

  The Captain spoke with as much dignity as he could muster. You may, with my permission, talk to the premier. If the needs of the ship have been met, you may instruct him to provide you with the cutter."

  The first lieutenant was no more pleased than his temporary master. He immediately set off to check the orders, and, looking somewhat crestfallen, emerged from the cabin to give the necessary instructions. Pender took charge of the line himself, not trusting any of the nauseous crew to lower their clothing, let alone the strongbox, into the boat. From the way they moved, slow and uncoordinated, the chest containing the Ludlow's funds would have stood a fair chance of being dropped right through the bottom planking.

  Barnes had learned his lesson, and the cutter had a half-dozen fully armed marines aboard under the command of a senior midshipman. The ship could afford no more deserters. From the enemy sloop came the glint of a telescope being trained on the Sw~ftsure. Harry borrowed a spy-glass from a midshipman too young to refuse him and trained it on the French ship. The breeze had fallen away in the noonday heat, leaving the new tricolour hanging limp on the pole at the ship's stern. Whoever was watching them had set up a chair on the poop just in front of the flag, with the telescope on a tripod. Harry could only discern a silhouette, but he suspected it was the same man he'd observed yesterday. Then the silhouette stood up, and the deserted deck suddenly came alive with running figures, hastening to get a boat over the side. It hit the water just as Harry gave the order to shove off, and, once the occupants had piled aboard, set a parallel course across the harbour.

  Someone on shore had a glass trained on the Sw~fisure as well. As Harry's cutter fended off from the ship, the decorated barge put off from the customs fort, heading straight for them. Doria's aide was in the rear, lounging in his master's velvet chair as though it was his own. He hailed the cutter to heave to, and swung his barge in a wide arc to come neatly alongside. Harry, looking back, saw the French boat continue to shore.