"The Admiral's compliments, Mr. Ludlow. He wonders if you might care to join him for some refreshments.

  The invitation was quite clearly an instruction, and Harry nodded to the midshipman to follow the barge back to the fort. The round tower, at the base of the massive mole, had a sea gate, and the barge glided under the raised portcullis, into the dimly lit tunnel, and alongside the dark, covered quay, followed closely by the cutter.

  "I doubt you will need these men any more, said Doria's aide, indicating the English sailors and marines. I suggest that they unload your property and return to their ship."

  Harry just nodded again, and he exchanged a glance with Pender. His servant was out of the cutter in a flash, calling for their things to be hauled on to the quay. Harry and James, having carefully thanked the midshipman, followed. They stood, saying nothing, until the gear was unloaded, and the cutter had backed oars and headed out through the sea gate. Some of the men from the Admiral's barge took hold of their sea-chests, carting them through a low door on the quay side Pender, following, made sure that he had one end of the strongbox.

  "If you will come this way.

  Harry and James, still silent, followed the aide up a short set of steps and through a heavy wooden door, leaving Pender to care for their property. Up another staircase, still stone, though less damp, to emerge into a large hallway with a tiled floor. James stopped for a moment to take a look at the elegant hangings and furnishings which adorned the stark stonework of the fortress. Heraldic banners hung from the ceiling, with intricate, colourful tapestries covering the walls. The aide, without pausing, crossed the hallway and held open the door to a small anteroom, waiting patiently for James to catch up.

  "If you will take a seat, I will inform my Admiral that you have accepted his invitation. With that he departed, closing the heavy door with a thud.

  "Am I right in thinking we have been abducted, Harry? asked James, walking across the small room and peering out through the narrow window. It overlooked the busy quay side and had once been an embrasure for the firing of crossbows.

  "More or less, replied Harry, sitting down in one of the armchairs and stretching out comfortably.

  "You don't seem in any way alarmed by this. After the events of last night I find that odd."

  "No, I'm not. First it is happening in daylight. And secondly, if

  Admiral Doria wanted to abduct us, he would not do it in the middle of the harbour, and take a fair proportion of the crew as well."

  James continued to stare out of the window. So we have nothing to fear?"

  "I didn't say that. But since I don't know what the threat is, or even if it exists, then I can do nothing about it. I see no point in fretting uselessly."

  James raised his eyebrows. You can say that, after all we've been told about this part of the world?"

  "You're about to remind me how dangerous and unpredictable it is. I am only too well aware of that, just as I know that I've been in many worse places.

  The door opened and the aide, bowing, beckoned for them to follow him. They walked across the hallway, up a wide stone staircase which ran round the outside of the building. He stopped and rapped at a studded door set in the inner wall, opening it without waiting for a response. Up another few steps and they were shown into a large room at the top of the fort. It had a panoramic view of the harbour, and the lower parts of the city, from any number of narrow windows, plus several brass telescopes mounted on tripods with which Admiral Doria could survey his domain. He was obviously waiting for them, standing with his hands behind his back, and an enigmatic smile on his dark cratered face.

  "Signori, he booked, gesturing expansively, please come in. Can I offer you some refreshments? Doria indicated a sideboard covered in fruits, cheeses, and cuts of meat. Bottles of wine, wrapped in damp cloths to keep them cool, beckoned invitingly. I am just about to dine myself, if you'd care to join me."

  "Delighted, said Harry, walking past him. He made his way round a large oak table to one of the windows, bending down to look through the brass telescope which stood in the opening. It was trained on the Sw~fisure.

  Doria smiled at James, still by the doorway. The smile was not returned. It must seem like you've been placed under restraint. I did send to invite you while you were still aboard the frigate, but of course, by the time these fools had got the barge out you had loaded and put off."

  Harry, standing upright, indicated Doria's aide, standing silently beside James, waiting for instructions. This fellow didn't quite manage to make it sound like an invitation."

  Doria frowned, snapped his head in an impatient gesture to indicate that the young man should leave. The smile reappeared as his head disappeared down the steps and the door closed behind him.

  "I fear I must take the blame. My nephew's terribly afraid of my displeasure. Certainly more than he is fond of proper manners. But it is an invitation. You are here as my guest. And if you do not believe me, feel free to go. Doria made a gesture with his hand towards the exit.

  "And leave all this? Harry walked towards the sideboard. Doria beamed, first at Harry, then at James, and indicated with a broad sweep of both his arms that they should help themselves.

  "My servant? asked Harry.

  "They will see to him, never fear."

  Harry, filling his plate, had an image of Pender, trying to eat with one hand, for he was sure that the other would remain round their strongbox. Doria, a burgeoning plate of food in his hand, led the way to the huge oak table. Having seated his guests, he poured the wine himself, before sitting down to eat.

  Both Harry and James set to with a will. Doria watched them, making small talk and picking at his own plate, though he was more liberal with the wine, quaffing it down in great gulps, and encouraging the Ludlows to do likewise. He talked about the war and its effect on trade. How the increase in activity added to his workload. If he was waiting for his guests to quiz him about their presence at his table, he waited in vain. While polite in their responses, neither volunteered any statement or asked any questions. They merely ate their food, declined as much wine as they consumed, and waited. Doria finally ran out of patience, wiped his mouth with a large napkin, and leaning forward addressed Harry.

  "I invited you here because I am anxious to assist you. Plus, of course I have my responsibilities. You are aware that there is a tariff to pay for the importation of gold into the Republic?"

  "I was not aware of that, said Harry quickly.

  "It is a recent ordinance."

  "How recent? asked James.

  "Since the upheavals of eighty-nine. The French are fond of gold.

  Naturally, with the trouble in the country, they seek somewhere safe to stow it. Somewhere safe, but not too distant."

  "Does a tariff not discourage them?"

  Doria gave an elaborate shrug. They are not overburdened ~with choice, Signor. So it is, alas, the case. Besides, gold fetches a high price in this part of the world."

  "There are places where it fetches more."

  "Distance, Signor Ludlow, compounds the danger of complete loss. Only citizens of Genoa may import gold without a duty. You are, I believe, carrying a quantity of gold?"

  It would be useless to deny it. Harry nodded. It is no great quantity. Doria gave Harry the kind of smile that implied that he knew better.

  Barnes must have told him everything, and probably exaggerated to boot.

  "You said you wish to assist us, said James quietly, looking at the Admiral through an upheld crystal glass full of white wine.

  Doria looked from one to the other, frowning slightly at the look on Harry's face. Also he had the air of a man unsure of whom he should deal with, a man hoping that one or the other of his guests would speak so that he would know. Finally he put both his hands on the table and leant back to address them both. If I may presume a little, I would like to ask, what are your intentions?"

  "That is still in the balance, replied Harry testily.

  James followed up swiftly, his words quite as sharp as his brothers. It may very well turn on the outcome of this conversation."

  The Admiral ignored the implications of that remark, and the unsmiling directness with which it was made. I mean for today, Signor Ludlow, not for the future."

  Now all three sat silently, Doria content to let them weigh up the relative merits of providing an answer. Finally Harry, having elicited a nod from his brother, spoke. To find a bank and deposit my funds, and if the price of gold is high enough, sell it."

  Doria face broke into a smile, and he tapped the ends of his fingers on the table. I thought so. And that is where I can assist you. It so happens that I am fortunate to have connections with certain business interests in the town, people whom I know will give you a good deal of interest on your funds."

  "No doubt they are traders in gold, said James coldly.

  Doria's smile spread, and his eyes twinkled. We are a trading nation, Signor, possessing little in the way of land and population. Therefore we must do our best in banking to supplement what we make with our ships. Mind you, I often wonder whether we aid our cause by taxing the importation of gold so heavily."

  James gave him a sardonic look. Only for foreigners."

  "Just the point I was coming to. For I think I can see a way to avoid such duty, but that would of course mean your taking my advice on where to deposit your funds."

  Again a long silence, but the game had to be played. He would not speak first now. He waited for one of the Ludlow brothers to move things forward.

  "You mentioned some connections that you have? asked Harry.

  "Yes. With the trading house of Guistiani, who, I might add, also act as my personal bankers."

  Harry looked at James as he continued. As we came ashore last night, Admiral, we were attacked by a gang of men, whom I presume were intent on robbery. That is, after they'd killed us."

  Doria showed no trace of surprise or embarrassment. He didn't even blink as Harry stared hard at him. All the more reason to accept my protection. The city teems with thieves."

  Harry reckoned that he was sitting in the presence of one of the peers of the tribe. The man had not even pretended to be surprised at this information , nor did he enquire about the nature of the attack, where it took place, or ask for any description of those involved.

  "It was wise of you to leave your things aboard ship last night. I remember remarking on it to Captain Barnes. He smiled broadly at both of them, amused at their studied lack of movement. Then he threw his head back and laughed out loud.

  "Suspicion is a natural emotion. So I will not pretend to be offended by the drift of your thoughts."

  "Caused by your complete lack of curiosity, Admiral, said James.

  "Ah! I see. I am to throw up my hands and imply that I am shocked that such a thing could occur. Ask, perhaps, for a description of your assailants. Doria laughed again, before leaning forward again and looking intently at Harry. I see I'm reading your mind, Signor Ludlow."

  Harry returned the stare. Most accurately, Admiral."

  No smile now. Harry and Doria's eyes were locked together. I think any complaint should be levelled against Captain Barnes. He should never have let you go ashore, after dark, in the first place. Quite apart from the presence of thieves and vagabonds in the city, there is a well-armed French sloop in the harbour. The city teems with agents and sympathizers of the French government. You come ashore, quite obviously not common sailors, I assume in darkness, and you are surprised that you are attacked."

  He smiled again, then the smile suddenly disappeared, to be replaced by a grim look that embraced them both. Rest assured, gentlemen, that if I had wanted to rob you, I would have first ensured you were carrying something that made my efforts worthwhile. The eyes were hard now, as was the tone of his voice. Then I would have made quite sure that no trace of you was ever found."

  Again suddenly, his face was lit up by that wolfish smile, which left you doubting if he was serious. Harry wondered what the price would be of telling this man to go to hell. Admiral Stefano Doria belonged to one of the greatest families of the powerful local aristocracy. As Harry had remarked, he bore a famous name. One of his ancestors, Andrea Doria, had been the greatest sailor of his age. If you looked out of the right embrasure you could scarcely miss the Palazzo Doria, with its spacibus formal gardens running from the house down to a loggia that abutted the wharves where family-owned ships could tie up. To hold his present rank, and to have the control of the excise in the most rapacious port in the Mediterranean, argued a powerful man. Too powerful to insult.

  "I assume that your assistance will benefit us in some way? he asked gently.

  "But, of course. It is a poor bargain that only benefits one party. As Doria spoke, each point was emphasized by a gesture of his hands, in a very Italian way. Let us say you were to transfer your gold to my possession. Only nominally, of course. Then it would no longer be subject to an import tax, which would result in a saving of twenty per cent. I could then give you some of my own funds to cover the value."

  "That would be after we have established the value, said Harry.

  "Of course. Naturally I would have to charge you for the service I'm providing. I cannot be out of pocket, you understand, much as

  I wish to assist a fellow sailor. But my charges would be somewhat less than those of the state. Say half of the normal duty. And, taking into consideration the events of last night, it would then be in order for me to escort such funds to a place of safety."

  Harry could barely hide the look of distrust on his face as he spoke. Which would be your personal bankers."

  "Quite."

  James cut in. He could see that Harry was about to let his temper get the better of him. So we would save ten per cent of the value."

  Doria nodded, but he could not fail to be aware that Harry was less than pleased. He looked at the older of the two, with an eyebrow raised, inviting whatever Harry was thinking to be openly said.

  "May I ask a question?"

  That surprised Doria, who was expecting an insult. Of course."

  "Who issues permission for foreign privateers to sail from Genoa?"

  "The Council of State, Signor."

  Harry ignored the look his brother gave him. Would you be a member of that?"

  "Not personally. But I have been known to advise them."

  Harry's face remained blank as he spoke. Then it would seem to be politic to do business with you, Admiral."

  Doria threw his arms wide again. Not with me, Captain Ludlow. With my bankers. It ill becomes men of our stamp to descend to mere trade. More wine?"

  The coach, with four matching white horses, was drawn up outside the land gate to the customs house. Pender was already on the box, and he looked stoically ahead as Harry and James approached the conveyance. James climbed straight aboard. As Doria appeared through the gate so did his guards, and with a precision born of long habit they took up position in front and behind. Harry observed that their weapons were in no way ceremonial. No pikes or muskets, but rather short swords, clubs, and pistols. Last into the coach, he joined his brother, sitting opposite their host'.

  "I am informed that permission to sail from this port is somewhat restricted."

  The smile deepened and he fixed Harry with a cunning look. That would rather depend, Signor, on who you ask and who you are."

  "But is it regulated?"

  "Of course. But in the nature of things, such regulation must be to everyone's advantage."

  "The Republic's advantage being paramount? said James, with an innocent air.

  Doria's eyes twinkled, belying the attempted sincerity in his voice. Again his arms waved as he spoke, emphasizing the point with a grandiose gesture. How could it be any other way?"

  Harry wondered. Doria would promise them the world to get his share of their gold. It could be that Bartholomew had gained his through providing a hefty bribe to whoever was in charge. But that did not explain his ability to avoid the customs duties.

  "You would also, in your position, be aware if there were any likely craft available for purchase? asked Harry. Doria nodded, but volunteered nothing. The coach turned, taking one of the few routes off the quay side wide enough to accommodate its width.

  James posed the next question, deciding to indulge in a little mischief by beating Harry to the next subject. Tell me, Admiral, who dealt with the matter of Captain Howlett's murder?"

  Harry stiffened, and Doria seemed unnaturally still. He didn't r.~ply for quite a time, just staring at James, who'd turned to gaze out of the coach window, craning his neck in an attempt to see the tops of the buildings that crowded in on either side.

  Doria spoke eventually. Since it happened in the area of the port, it fell to me to deal with it."

  "A terrible business, said James languidly, without turning his head.

  A small shrug. Such things happen in all ports."

  James finally turned from the coach window, his voice steady and his look calm. Rather more elaborate than normal, wouldn't you say? Or is it the habit here to string up your victims?"

  Harry sat silently, aware that his brother, by his manner, was baiting their host. But he was asking the questions he'd intended to ask himself.

  "Was the gentleman a particular friend?"

  "No, said James, I believe my brother met him some years back."

  "I wondered at your interest, said Doria, almost implying that this line of questioning showed a want of manners.

  That really set James alight. His voice became icy. I would like to bring to your notice, once more, that we were very nearly killed last night. And since that took place in the confines of the port, I find your lack of interest remarkable."

  Doria's skin was too dark to show a blush, but the narrowing of the lips told the Ludlows just as much. He tried to assume a blase air, but it didn't come off. I had intended to enquire further, after we'd transacted our business.~ "Would it surprise you, Admiral, if I said we'd rather you did it before? The accusation of greed before duty hung in the air, no less potent for remaining unspoken.