For the first time he saw a spark of alarm in Draffen’s eyes. But he answered harshly, “Even if it were true, Witrand had no such protection. As an army officer hiding under civilian guise he must be accepted as a spy.”

His mouth tightened as Bolitho said calmly, “No one but the admiral and I knew that, Sir Hugo. So unless you knew him already, which I believe is so, since you made no effort to see him aboard Euryalus, then you must have heard him give out his identity under torture. Either way you are branded!” He could feel the blood seeping down inside his bandages but could not stop himself. “By God, I detest the naked ritual of a hanging, but I’d give a month’s bounty to see you dance at Tyburn!”

Draffen watched him warily. “Send these others from the room.”

“No bargains, Sir Hugo. You have caused enough death and suffering.”

“Very well. Then I will speak in front of them.” He placed his hands on his hips and said in a calmer tone, “I have, as you observed, powerful friends in London. They can make your future very hard, and put a blight on what hopes you might still have for advancement.”

Bolitho looked away. “Is that all?”

Behind him he heard Draffen catch his breath and then reply harshly, “You have a nephew in the Navy, I believe? Your late brother’s bastard?”

Bolitho stood quite motionless, hearing Poate’s feet moving on the stones and Calvert’s gasp of alarm.

Draffen continued, “How will he feel when he learns that his late father turned a blind eye to my slavers when he commanded a privateer? That he grew rich from his connivance?”

Bolitho turned towards him, his voice very calm. “That is a lie.”

“But some will believe it, and most of all, your nephew’s future will be finished, am I right?”

Bolitho blinked his eyes to clear away the mist of pain. He must not faint now. Must not.

“Had I some pity or regard for you at all, Sir Hugo, it would now be gone. Any man who could threaten the life of a young boy, who has had nothing in his upbringing but misery, deserves none.” He looked at Poate. “Take him out.”

Draffen said quietly, “You have accused me of many things. Whatever others may say, you shall give me satisfaction when you have the strength!”

“As you wish. You will find me ready enough.”

He sat down heavily as Draffen was escorted from the room.

Then she was beside him again, scolding him as she guided him back to the bed.

He said, “I cannot write, so will you do so if I dictate? I must send my report to the admiral at once.”

She studied him curiously. “Was that true about your brother?”

“Some, but not all.”

The door swung open again and Poate burst into the room. “Sir! Lieutenant Calvert must have gone mad!”

Bolitho gripped the chair. “What’s happened?”