Now de Grasse was testing the strength of individual British bases with the same sure strategy which had made him his country’s most valuable commander. Using Martinique to the south as his main base, he could attack every island at will or, the thought brought a chill to Bolitho’s mind, he could speed to the west and fall upon Jamaica. After that there would be nothing to sustain the British. They would have the Atlantic behind them, and nothing to keep them from complete destruction.

The admiral was saying smoothly, “I will require you to carry out patrols to the westward, Bolitho. I will draft my orders immediately. The enemy may try and transport more troops down from the American mainland to the Leeward Islands, or even further south to the Windward Islands. You will keep contact with the rest of my squadron, and with Admiral Hood at St Kitts only if absolutely necessary!”

Bolitho felt the cabin closing in on him. The admiral had no intention of trusting Phalarope with the fleet. Once again the frigate seemed doomed to isolation and suspicion.

He said, “The French will be reinforced by privateers, sir. My ship would be well employed closer inshore, I would have thought.”

The admiral smiled gently. “Of course, Bolitho, I had almost forgotten. You are no stranger out here. I think I read somewhere of your little exploits.” His smile vanished. “I am sick and tired of hearing stories of privateers! They are nothing but scavengers and pirates, and no match for one of my ships! You will do well to remember that, too! Andiron’s capture was a disgrace which should have been forestalled! If you meet her again, I would suggest you summon help to avoid another lamentable failure to capture or destroy her!”

Bolitho stood up, his eyes flashing. “That is unfair, sir!”

The admiral studied him bleakly. “Hold your tongue! I am tired of young, hot-headed officers who cannot understand strategy and discipline!”

Bolitho waited for his breathing to return to normal.

“Privateers are just one part of the pattern. The French are the real danger!”

There was a long silence, and Bolitho heard the distant thud of marines’ boots and the muted blare of a bugle. The two-decker was like a small town after a frigate, but Bolitho could not wait to get away from it and the admiral’s insulting remarks.

The latter said offhandedly, “Keep a close watch on your patrol, Bolitho. And I would suggest you watch your fresh water and supplies very closely. I cannot say exactly when you will be relieved.”

“My men are tired, sir.” Bolitho tried once more to get through the admiral’s cold rudeness. “Some of them have not been ashore for years.” He thought of the way they had watched the green hills and gasped at the sight of the smooth, deserted beaches.

“And I am tired of this interview, Bolitho.” He rang a small bell on the desk. “Just do your allotted duty, and remember that I will brook no deviation from it at any time. Foolhardy schemes are useless to me. See that you do not allow your apparent sense of self-importance to mar your judgement.” He waved his hand and the door opened silently behind Bolitho.