So Vibart had been right. Phalarope was a marked ship, and would remain one.

The master’s mate came aft. “Boat shovin’ off from the Cassius, sir!”

Herrick felt suddenly angry. It was all so pointless, so stupid. “Very well. It will be bringing despatches. Man the side, if you please.”

He was still angry when a debonair lieutenant climbed up through the port and after removing his hat stood and stared curiously around the deck, as if expecting to see some sort of spectacle.

“Well?” Herrick scowled at the visitor. “Have you had a good look?”

The officer blushed and then said, “My apologies, sir. I was expecting something rather different.” He held out a bulky canvas envelope. “Orders for Captain Bolitho from Sir Robert Napier, Rear-Admiral of the Red.”

It sounded so formal after their first exchange that Herrick could not help smiling. “Thank you. I’ll take ’em aft in a moment.” He studied the officer’s tanned face. “How goes the war out here?”

He shrugged. “A hopeless muddle. Too much sea and too few ships to cover it!” He became serious. “St Kitts is under siege, and the rebels are consolidating up in the north. Everything will depend on how much the French can bring to bear.”

Herrick turned the heavy envelope over in his hands and wondered if he would ever be opening his own orders. In command of his own ship.

“If the privateers are as good as the one we fought then the battle will be a hard one.” Herrick studied the man’s face intently, just waiting for some sign of doubt or amusement.

But the lieutenant said quietly, “We heard about the Andiron. A bad business to lose her so. I hope you get a chance to even the score. What with that renegade John Paul Jones playing hell with our communications, it is only to be expected that others will follow his example.”

Herrick nodded. “I don’t see why it should be a disgrace for Captain Masterman to lose his ship in combat.”

“You have not heard?” The officer dropped his voice. “She fought two French frigates at once. At the height of the battle the Andiron was hailed by some American officer aboard one of the enemy ships. He called on the Andiron’s people to go over to his side!”

Herrick’s jaw dropped. “And you mean that is what happened?”

He nodded. “Exactly! They would never surrender to Frogs, but this American made it sound like a new life, so what did they have to lose? And of course they will fight all the better against us! Every man-jack knows it will be flogging round the fleet and the gibbet if they are caught now.”

Herrick felt sick. “How long had Andiron been in commission?”

“I’m not sure. About ten years, I believe.” He saw Herrick’s mind working and added grimly, “So watch your own people. Out here, thousands of miles from home and surrounded by the King’s enemies, emotions play a big part in a man’s loyalty.” He added meaningly, “Especially in a ship where trouble has already felt its way!”