He stared at the watching officers beside him. Okes and Rennie, Farquhar and Proby.

Bolitho continued in the same curt tone, “You all showed great resource and courage. I have made a full report and I trust it will receive proper attention.” He did not add that without such a report from the ship’s captain the story of the brief, savage mutiny would overshadow all else with the admiral and his superiors. As it was it might still be insufficient to save the ship’s name from further harm.

He looked hard at Okes. “You will take over as first lieutenant of course, and Mr Herrick will assume your duties forthwith.” He switched his gaze to Farquhar. “I do not have to add to what I have put in my report about you. You are appointed acting lieutenant immediately. I have no doubt whatever that it will be confirmed with equal speed.”

Farquhar said, “Thank you, sir.” He looked round as if expecting to see an immediate change in his surroundings. “I am very grateful.”

Okes said nervously, “I still can’t believe that Mr Vibart is dead.”

Bolitho eyed him impassively. “Death is the only thing which is inevitable, Mr Okes. Yet it is the one thing we can never take for granted!”

There was a tap at the door and Stockdale peered in. “Flagship is signalling, Captain. For you to report on board as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Stockdale. Call away my boat’s crew.” He added to the others, “Remember this, gentlemen. The Phalarope was nearly lost by mutiny.” He allowed his tongue to linger on the word. “What we have to decide now is whether we have gained anything by a reprieve.” He saw their quick exchange of glances and continued, “The ship is either cleansed of evil or smeared by shame. The choice is ours. Yours and mine!” He looked around their grave faces. “That is all. You may go.”

Stockdale reappeared as the officers filed out, and busied himself getting Bolitho’s hat and sword. He said. “Allday is waiting to see you, Captain.” He sounded disapproving.

“Yes. I sent for him.” He listened to the squeal of blocks as the gig was hoisted out, and remembered Stockdale’s stricken face as he had returned with the rest of the shore party. He had stared round the stained deck at the corpses and then at his captain. He had said brokenly, “I should never have left you, Captain! Not for an instant!” It was as if he believed he had failed Bolitho. He seemed to think that if he had stayed aboard the mutiny could never have happened.

Bolitho said quietly, “Send him in. He is a good seaman, Stockdale. I wronged him, not the other way about!”

Stockdale shook his head, but shambled away to fetch the man who had broken the mutiny.

And what a risk he had taken, Bolitho thought. He had walked back towards the searching marines, knowing full well that they were unaware of his innocence, and that any man might shoot him down without waiting for an explanation. Allday had found Okes and Farquhar, and together it seemed they had decided it best for Allday to try to reach the ship unsupported by anyone but Ferguson. It was a right decision, and a brave one. If Onslow had seen a boatload of men approaching the ship the balance would have tipped in his favour.