Broughton said, “You say that Djafou is useless?” He appeared unable to get it out of his mind.

“Yes, I do. I am certain that if the powers in Admiralty were properly aware of its conditions and facilities they would never have agreed to the first suggestion.”

Draffen said sharply, “In case you did not know, Bolitho, it was agreed on my suggestion.”

Bolitho studied him calmly. At last, after all the uncertainties and missing parts to the puzzle, something was coming out into the open.

He said, “Then it would be better to admit you were wrong, sir.” He hardened his voice. “Before any more of our people are killed.”

Broughton snapped, “Easy, Bolitho! I’ll have no petty argument under my flag, dammit!”

“Then let me just say this, sir.” Bolitho kept his voice very even, although inwardly he could feel nothing but anger and despair. “Unless you put the squadron in such a position where we have more sea room to fight, you may be caught on a lee shore. With the prevailing nor’ westerly, and no space to regain an advantage, you will be in real danger should an enemy arrive here. In open sea we can still give the enemy a bloody nose, no matter what the odds prove to be.”

Broughton said, “Sir Hugo has already suggested a further plan.”

Draffen pushed himself away from the bulkhead. He was smiling, but his eyes were very cold.

“You have been too long on your feet, Bolitho. I am sorry I did not appreciate the fact earlier. This is my idea. It is only a framework, of course, but I am almost sure I can obtain the aid we now desperately need.”

Broughton said in a weary tone, “Sir Hugo’s agent can be contacted somewhere along the coast, it seems.”

“Exactly!” Draffen was relaxing very slowly. “I have had dealings with a powerful tribal leader. I have even met him on some occasions. Habib Messadi has much influence along these shores, and no love for the Spanish intruders!”

Bolitho replied quietly, “But we will be intruders if the Spanish garrison is made to go. Where is the difference?”

“Oh, in heaven’s name, Bolitho!” Broughton sounded angry. “Will nothing satisfy you?”

Bolitho kept his eyes on Draffen. “This Messadi is, I presume, an outlaw of some kind, otherwise how could he exert such power on a coastline like this?”

Draffen’s smile faded. “He is not the sort of man you would let loose in Westminster Abbey, I will allow you that.” He shrugged. “But to make this mission successful I would accept aid from Newgate or Bedlam if I thought it might help.”

“Well, Bolitho?” Broughton was looking from one to the other with obvious impatience.

But Draffen spoke first. “As I said to you earlier, one day Djafou will be discarded by us for something better. Like the proposal you have just made to Sir Lucius. Messadi controlled Djafou for many years and has no love for the French or the Dons. Surely it would be better to keep him as an ally, some additional thorn to prod the enemy’s side?”