He also knew that he would never see eye to eye with Vibart whatever happened. To Bolitho the humane treatment of his men, the understanding of their problems, and the earning of their loyalty, were as precious as gold. Equally he knew he must uphold this difficult and bitter man, for commanding a ship of war left little room for personal animosity amongst officers.

Bolitho halted with a jerk and pointed. “Is that a marine?”

Herrick stood beside him breathing deeply. A red coat flashed between the dull foliage and then another, and as Bolitho started forward, Sergeant Garwood appeared at the head of a file of sweating marines.

Bolitho asked sharply, “What are you doing ashore, Sergeant?”

Garwood stared fixedly over Bolitho’s shoulder. “Mr Vibart ’as sent all the marines across, sir.” He swallowed hard. “The prisoner Allday ’as escaped, sir. We’ve been sent to catch ’im again!”

Bolitho heard Herrick catch his breath and glanced quickly at his streaming face. He could see the shock and disappointment plain on the lieutenant’s features, as if he was personally involved.

“I see.” Bolitho controlled the sudden rise of anger and added calmly, “Where is Captain Rennie?”

“T’other side of the island, sir.” Garwood looked unhappy. “The relief sentry found the cell guard clubbed senseless an’ the prisoner gone, sir. ’Is manacle ’ad been struck off too, sir.”

“So someone else was involved?” Bolitho stared hard at the sergeant’s bronzed features. “Who else is missing?”

The marine gulped. “Yer clerk, Ferguson, sir!”

Bolitho turned away. “Very well, I suppose you had better carry on now that you are here.” He watched the man clump gratefully away and then said tightly, “Mr Vibart was over hasty to send all the marines ashore. If the ship was surprised at her anchor by another vessel, there would be insufficient men to repel an attack.” He turned abruptly. “Come, we will go back to the beach.”

Herrick said wretchedly, “I am sorry, sir. I feel to blame more than ever. I trusted Allday, and I was the one who chose Ferguson as your clerk.”

Bolitho replied flatly, “It has proved that we were both wrong, Mr Herrick. An innocent man does not run!” He added, “Mr Vibart should not have allowed his anger to blind his judgement in this matter. Allday will surely die if he is left here. He will go mad on this island once the ship has sailed, and will not thank Ferguson for his rescue from a cell!”

They hurried across the beach, and the drowsing gig’s crew jerked into life as the two officers climbed aboard.

Bolitho shaded his eyes to look at the anchored frigate as the gig moved slowly across the placid water. The sun was only just showing above the nearest hump of land, and the Phalarope’s yards and topmasts were shining as if coated with gilt.

Herrick asked quietly, “If the marines catch Allday, sir. What will you do?”

“I will hang him this time, Mr Herrick. For the sake of discipline I have no choice now.” He glanced back at the land. “For that reason I hope they do not find him.”