At the twentieth stroke Mr Quintal had knocked up Josling’s arm and had said firmly, “That’s enough, sir! He’s dyin’!”

Kirk’s bloodied body had been cut down and carried below, but only after Ellice had backed up the boatswain’s quick intervention. He had muttered vaguely, “Might live. Can’t say. I think his kidneys have burst.”

Herrick had looked for some sign of pity or even triumph on Vibart’s heavy features. But there had been nothing but stony indifference. Captain Pomfret had watched floggings like a man will watch a spectacle of sport, and at each bloody conclusion he was almost elated, as if he had just experienced some perverted sexual act. But not Vibart. There was nothing at all which Herrick could recognise as feeling of any sort.

He turned away swiftly as Vibart appeared at the cabin hatch and sniffed at the wind. Vibart studied the strange copper sky and remarked slowly, “Wind’s freshened. We’ll shorten sail in ten minutes.” He glanced at Proby. “Now, are you sure of our position? Our exact position?”

Proby nodded gloomily. “Aye, sir. Nevis bears nor’-east, near on fifteen miles.”

Vibart regarded him searchingly. “I hope for your sake that is so, Mr Proby.” He contented himself with another quick bark at the helmsman, “Watch her head, you fool! Keep her close to the wind!”

Herrick glanced aloft and knew that the ship was running perfectly. Vibart was obviously getting more and more on edge as they drew nearer the island. Not afraid. He had never shown a sign of fear at any time. No, it went far deeper, to the lurking possibility of failure.

Vibart saw Herrick watching him and snapped, “Have you detailed the cutting-out parties?”

“Aye, sir. All the boats except the gig are prepared. The gig is unsuitable for this work.”

“I know that, Mr Herrick!” Vibart’s eyes were flecked with red. “You will take over-all charge of the boarders with Maynard, Packwood and Parker in charge of the other three boats.” He looked darkly at the men working on deck. “As a master’s mate, Parker will be ideal for getting sail on the Andiron if you succeed in your attack.”

“Yes, sir.” Herrick knew all this. He had detailed each man personally, and had already decided on his set plan. He asked, “Do you expect much opposition, sir?”

“We are committed now. It doesn’t matter what I think!”

Proby consulted his massive watch and said, “Call all hands! Prepare to shorten sail!”

Herrick wondered why Vibart had left it so long. Several times he had seen fishing boats in the far distance. There was no point in advertising the Phalarope’s haste by her obvious press of sail.

The seamen were already climbing the shrouds and pulling themselves out along the swaying yards. With the ship’s uncomfortable motion the business of taking in sails was all the more dangerous to the unwary.

Vibart growled, “This will make us harder to see. And with the wind rising all the time it will save us the trouble of shortening later on.” He seemed to be thinking aloud.