“What is it, Mr Herrick?” He moved to the rail and cupped his hands to his ears.

Herrick stared at him uncertainly. “I could be mistaken, sir. It might have been thunder.”

“Most unlikely.” Bolitho shivered slightly in the cool dawn breeze. “Can you see the Cassius yet?”

“No, sir.” Herrick pointed vaguely. “There’s a mist coming up. It’ll be another hot day, I’m thinking.”

Bolitho stiffened as a low rumble echoed sullenly across the open water. “Maybe hotter than you think, Mr Herrick.” He glanced up at the jerking canvas. “The wind seems to be holding.” He was suddenly aware that there were several figures already standing on the main deck. Everyone faced forward, listening and wondering.

Bolitho said, “Call the hands.” He peered upwards again. In the dim light he could just see the masthead pendant whipping out like a pointing finger. “Take out the second reef, Mr Herrick. And set the foresail and spanker.”

Herrick called for a boatswain’s mate, and seconds later the ship came alive to the call of pipes and the stamp of running feet.

Then Herrick said, “I still can’t see the flagship, sir.”

“We won’t wait for her!” Bolitho watched the men swarming aloft and listened to the harsh bark of commands. “That is gunfire ahead. Make no mistake about it!”

Proby came on deck buttoning his heavy coat. He seemed half asleep, but as the big spanker filled with wind and the deck canted obediently to the wind’s eager thrust he contained any comment he might have felt and crossed to the wheel.

Bolitho said calmly, “Alter course two points to larboard, Mr Proby.” The ship’s sudden response to wind and sail had swept away the strain and sleep from his mind. He had been right. The waiting was almost over.

He looked sideways at Herrick and saw his face was clearer in the growing light. He looked worried and not a little startled by the swift chain of events.

Bolitho said quietly, “We will investigate, Mr Herrick.” He pointed at the men swarming back along the yards. “I want chain slings fitted on every yard. If we are called to action our people have enough to contend with at the guns. I don’t want them crushed by falling spars.” He halted the lieutenant in his tracks. “And have nets spread above the main deck, too.” He made himself stand quite still by the rail, his hands resting on the worn and polished wood. He could feel the ship trembling beneath his palms, as if his thoughts were being transformed into new life, and the life was flowing through the Phalarope even as he watched.

From newly awakened chaos the ship had already settled down into a purposeful rhythm. All the weeks of training, the hours of persistent instruction were giving their rewards.

Stockdale joined him by the rail. “I’ll get your coat, sir.”

“Not yet, Stockdale. That can keep for a moment longer.” He turned as Okes appeared at the ladder, his face still crumpled from sleep. “I want the hands to eat well this morning, Mr Okes. I have a feeling that the galley fire will be out for some time to come.” He saw the understanding spreading across the officer’s face. “This time we will be ready!”