Herrick had let him go, his eyes contemptuous, yet knowing in his heart that McIntosh was speaking the truth.

He stiffened as he heard Vibart’s heavy step beside him.

“Pipe the hands aft, Mr Herrick. I will tell them what is to be done.” Vibart looked composed and calm. Only his eyes betrayed a certain glitter which could be either excitement or triumph.

Herrick said, “Are you sure there is nothing more we can do?”

Vibart stared past him at the ruffled water. “I told you this morning, Mr Herrick, just as I voiced my fears to the captain. The venture was dangerous and foolhardy. That it was a success is fortunate for all of us. But Bolitho knew the risk he was taking. There is nothing more to be said.”

Herrick persisted. “But is Lieutenant Okes sure?”

“I am satisfied with his report.” There was a new edge to Vibart’s tone. “So that is enough!” He walked ponderously to the weather rail and sniffed loudly. “At least we are back in our proper area. Now we can contact the flagship.”

Herrick spoke swiftly to Midshipman Neale and watched him scamper forward. Then he heard the boatswain’s mates shouting. “All hands! All hands! Lay aft!”

As the men poured up from below he crossed to Vibart and said slowly, “He was a good officer. I still think he could have escaped.”

“Then I will trouble you to keep your opinions to yourself, Mr Herrick!” The deepset eyes were flecked with anger. “You may have considered yourself one of his favourites, but I will have no such behaviour now.”

He turned away from Herrick’s taut features as Quintal, the boatswain, touched his hat and rumbled, “All present, sir.”

Vibart strode to the quarterdeck rail and stared down at the upturned faces. Herrick stayed by the helmsmen watching Vibart closely.

Vibart said. “We are back on our patrol. We will shortly make contact with the admiral, and I will in due course tell him of our great success!”

Herrick felt himself tremble with anger. So it was a great success now, was it? When Bolitho was alive it had been foolhardy and dangerous, but now that Vibart stood to reap the full credit for it, it was already a different picture.

“I am not satisfied with the recent slackness of discipline aboard, and I intend that this ship will return to a proper state of efficiency as of now!”

Vibart was staring round the assembled crew, his face flushed. Herrick felt sick. He is enjoying it, he thought. He is actually glad Bolitho is dead!

Herrick turned as Okes stepped through the cabin hatch and walked uncertainly towards him. Herrick took his sleeve and whispered fiercely, “What did you tell Vibart, Matthew? For God’s sake, what is the matter with you?”

Okes drew back. “I told him nothing but the truth! Am I to be blamed for Bolitho’s misfortunes?”

“And what of young Farquhar? Did you see him die?”

Okes looked away. “Of course I did. What the devil are you trying to imply?” But there was a shake in his voice, and Herrick was suddenly reminded of Okes’s behaviour during the battle with the privateer. His fear, his complete terror. A man could not change overnight.