Sir Robert said grudgingly, “It could happen, I suppose. De Grasse could skirt any hostile land and then keep close inshore of more friendly territory, Guadeloupe for instance.” He puckered his lower lip. “He would thereby avoid a running battle in open water, like the Martinique Passage.” He nodded, his face suddenly grave. “Yours is a dangerous supposition, Bolitho.”

Captain Cope said uneasily, “If the French can get ahead of Rodney we’re done for!”

Bolitho asked, “Could I suggest something, sir?” He tried to gauge the extent of his own forcefulness. “If I am wrong, there can be no real harm in my idea.”

The admiral shrugged. “I cannot find it in my heart to dampen such rare enthusiasm, Bolitho.” He wagged one finger. “But I do not promise to abide by it!”

Bolitho leaned across the chart. “My ship was down here in search of fresh water . . .”

The admiral interrupted, “And well off her allotted station incidentally!”

“Yes, sir.” Bolitho hurried on. “Allowing for perhaps a day without wind, and a further two days to regain contact with their admiral, the two French frigates would have had ample time to examine the full extent of this Channel.” He stood back slightly as the other two captains craned over to look. “There is a whole cluster of small islands to the north of the Dominica Passage.” He paused. “The Isles des Saintes. If I were de Grasse, that is where I would make for. From that point he could swing west to Jamaica, or run for safety at Guadeloupe if Rodney’s fleet is too close on his heels.” He swallowed and added, “If our squadron moved south-east we might be in a better position to observe, and if necessary to report to Sir George Rodney what is happening!”

Sir Robert rubbed his chin. “What do you think, Cope?”

The flag-captain shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “It’s hard to say, sir. If Bolitho is right, and I am sure he has considered the matter most carefully, then de Grasse will have chosen the most unlikely route to slip past our blockade.” He added unhelpfully, “But of course, if he is wrong, then we will have left our allotted station without good cause!”

The admiral glared at him. “You don’t have to remind me!” He turned his gaze on Fox, who was still leaning over the chart. “Well?”

Fox straightened his back. “I think I agree with Bolitho.” He paused. “However, there is one point which he seems to have overlooked.” He jabbed at the pencilled lines with his finger. “If Sir George Rodney flushes de Grasse away from the Dominica Passage the Frogs will certainly have the advantage. The wind is too poor to allow our fleet time to re-engage before de Grasse dashes for open water.” He drew his finger slowly across the chart in a straight line. “But our squadron might be right across their line of escape!”

The admiral stirred in his chair. “Do you think I had not considered this?” He glared at Bolitho. “Well, what do you say?”