“He has taken Draffen to the top of the tower and locked the hatch on us. When I demanded that it be opened he said nothing.” Poate sounded incredulous.

“Listen!” They all looked at Allday who was leaning from a window. Above the sigh of sea and wind Bolitho heard the sudden clash of steel, and felt moved.

It did not last long. Calvert appeared in the doorway, two swords beneath his arm, his face extremely composed, even sad.

He said, “I am placing myself under arrest, sir. Sir Hugo is dead.”

Bolitho replied quietly, “I was the one he challenged, Calvert.”

He shook his head. “You forget, sir. He called me puppy before that.” He turned away, not even seeing Poate and the others who crowded outside the door.

“Anyway, sir, you’d never match him in a duel. Not with a sword in your left hand.” He shrugged wearily. “You are a fighter, sir, but, I suspect, not used to the more precise art of duelling.” He swung round, his eyes flashing. “You saved me, and more than that, you gave me back my honour. I’ll not stand back and see you destroyed when I can help, perhaps better than anyone else.”

Angus, the surgeon, pushed through the crowd and shouted, “What madness is this? Can’t you see the state the captain is in?”

Bolitho eyed him coldly. “Go to the top of the tower. You will find a body there.”

Then he said to Calvert, “You mean well, but . . .”

Calvert shrugged. “But. What a great span that word can cover. I know what may become of me, but I do not care. Perhaps I did it to avenge Lelean, I am not certain of that either.” He met Bolitho’s eyes with sudden determination. “Lelean needed me, just as the squadron needs you at this moment. Maybe that is the best reason for killing Draffen.”

He unbuckled his swordbelt and handed it to Captain Giffard.

The faces at the door melted away as Broughton’s voice rasped, “Give him back his sword, Giffard!”

He strode into the room, nodding curtly to Bolitho before saying, “Once I wronged you, Calvert. I cannot spare you the trial for your act.” He studied the lieutenant’s face with obvious interest. “But if and when we return to England, I will see to it that you are ably defended!

Calvert looked at the floor. “Thank you, Sir Lucius!”

Broughton turned to Bolitho. “Now, seeing that you seem able and strong enough to conduct my affairs, it appears I must come to you, eh?” He glared round the room. “Get these people out of my sight!” He relented slightly. “Except you of course, dear lady, for I have learned that but for your, er, ministrations I would now be without my flag captain!” He smiled coolly as he ran his eye over her. “Which would never do.”

She met his eyes unflinchingly. “I agree, Sir Lucius. It would appear you have great need of him.”