Then he said, “I have read the report, Bolitho. It had a great deal to say.” His wintry eyes drifted across Bolitho’s set features. “I was particularly interested in the part about the Andiron’s captain.” He saw Bolitho stiffen and continued calmly, “As a matter of fact I had received information as to his identity, but I thought it best to let you carry out your task.” He shrugged, the movement painful beneath his heavy uniform. “Of course, what I did not know was that you were in fact already a prisoner at his hands.”

“And if you had known, sir?” Bolitho tried to keep his tone relaxed.

“I am not sure. Your first lieutenant is apparently capable in many ways, but I fear he will always be a man who takes orders. A born subordinate!”

From the corner of his eye Bolitho saw Captain Cope being ushered below by his own officers, and waited for the admiral to continue. He did not have long to wait.

“Andiron is finished. Her very existence was a challenge and an insult to every man in our fleet. I have already passed my views on the matter to the Commander-in-Chief, and I have no doubt you will receive due recognition.” He faced Bolitho squarely. “However, the fact that your own brother once commanded her and is obviously still alive may in some quarters be taken as some sort of connivance on your part.” He walked to the side and stared at the Cassius. “I do not happen to take that view myself, Bolitho. I gave you the task, not in spite of the Andiron’s captain but because of him! You and your ship behaved very well indeed. I have told Sir George Rodney as much.” He added slowly. “But had your brother been killed it might have been better all round.”

“I think I understand, sir.”

“Of course you do!” The admiral’s old testiness was breaking through. “To be killed is to be forgotten. But if he is taken in the future, he will have no defence. A public trial and hanging will follow. And I think you realise that such disgrace can smear a whole family!”

“Yes, sir.”

Sir Robert rubbed his hands. “Well, enough of that. You carried out your orders as best you could. That will have to suffice for the present. You did in fact find out about the enemy’s intentions. If it is true, it will weigh heavily in your favour.”

He looked up at the gently moving flag and murmured, “We could do with a little good fortune at the moment!”

Sir Robert lapsed into silence until Bolitho had guided him below to his cabin where the other officers were already seated. With the table fully extended and ten officers already crammed round it, the cabin seemed to be full to capacity, and Bolitho found time to wonder why the admiral had bothered to make this journey away from the comparative luxury of his own quarters.

The officers rose to their feet and then sank expectantly into their seats again as Bolitho and the admiral squeezed around the head of the table.