He said slowly. “So it was you all the time.”

Another man, small and stinking of rum, capered round the two officers. “He’s done it all! Just as ’e said ’e would!”

Onslow snarled, “Stow it, Pook!” Then more calmly, “Your clerk told me when the ship was nearing land. All I had to do was foul the fresh-water casks with salt.” He laughed, amused by the very simplicity of his plan.

“Then, when you headed this way, I killed that rat Evans.”

Bolitho said, “You must have been very afraid of Allday to incriminate him with murder!”

Onslow glanced along the deck and then said calmly, “It was necessary. I knew if the bullocks were still aboard some of my white-livered friends might not be so willing to seize the ship!” He shrugged. “So I had Allday released, and the bullocks went charging off after him. Just as I knew they would!”

“You’ve damned yourself, Onslow!” Bolitho kept his voice level. “But think of these other men with you. Will you see them hanged?”

Onslow shouted, “Shut your mouth! And think yourself lucky I’ve not had you strung up at the main-yard! I’m going to barter the ship for our freedom! No bloody navy’ll catch us after that!”

Bolitho hardened his tone to hide his rising despair. “You are a fool if you believe that!”

His head jerked back as Onslow struck him across the face with the back of his hand. “Silence!” Onslow’s shout brought more men pressing around. Herrick was dragged to his feet and his hands were pinioned behind him. He was still dazed, and his face was streaming with blood.

Bolitho said, “You can send the officers ashore. They are nothing to you, Onslow.”

“Ah now, Captain, you’re wrong there!” Onslow’s good humour was returning. “Hostages. You may fetch a good price, too!” He laughed. “But then you must be getting used to that!”

Pook yelled, “Why not kill ’em now?” He waved a cutlass. “Let me have ’em!”

Onslow looked at Bolitho. “You see? Only I can save you.”

“What have you done with the first lieutenant?” Bolitho saw Pook nudge another seaman. “Have you killed him, too?”

Pook sniggered. “Not likely! We’re savin’ ’im for a bit o’ sport later on!”

Onslow flexed his arms. “He’s flogged enough of us, Captain. I’ll see how he likes the cat across his fat hide!”

Herrick muttered between his clenched teeth, “Think of what you’re doing! You are selling this ship to the enemy!”

“You’re my enemy!” Onslow’s nostrils flared as if he had been touched with a hot iron. “I’ll do what I like with her, and with you, too!”

Bolitho said quietly, “Easy, Mr Herrick. There is nothing you can do.”

“Spoken like a true gentleman!” Onslow gave a slow grin. “It’s best to know when you’re beaten!” Then sharply he called, “Lock them below, lads! And kill the first bugger who tries anything!”

Some of the men growled with obvious disapproval. Their lust was high. They were all committed. Bolitho knew that Onslow’s careful plan was only half clear in their rum-sodden minds.