Their Lordships Request: A Harry Heron Adventure (31 page)

             
"
On
our
quarter
sor,
"
responded
the
lookout,
pointing
out
the
direction,
"
and
moving
fast
sor,
they
wuz
well
astern
when
I
fust
saw
'
em.
"

             
Harry
focussed
the
telescope
and
the
leader
leapt
into
view
as
he
caught
her
in
the
lens.
A
slim
hull,
with
raked
bows
and
a
raised
stern
castle,
its
long
overhang
apparent
even
at
this
angle,
the
three
masts
and
long
lateen
booms
showed
clearly,
the
sails
furled.
The
light
flashed
on
her
oars
as
they
rose
and
fell
in
unison.
He
noted
that
Worth
'
s
assessment
was
accurate
–
these
craft
were
moving
fast
indeed.

             
"
They
move
swiftly
on
those
oars,
there
must
be
several
men
to
each.
"

             
"
Aye
sir.
Two
usually.
Slaves
they
be
as
rows
'
em.
Nasty
buggers,
them
ships
–
can
stay
out
of
the
way
of
our
guns
and
still
strike
at
us
if
they
'
ve
a
mind
to.
"

             
"
I
see,
"
said
Harry
thoughtfully.
He
called
down
to
the
deck,
"
Five
galleys
sir,
under
oar
only.
Running
parallel
to
our
course
sir.
On
their
present
heading
they
will
be
ahead
of
us
inside
two
hours.
"

             
"
Very
good
Mister
Heron,
"
the
voice
of
Captain
Blackwood
floated
back,
"
Remain
there
and
watch
them.
If
they
make
any
alteration
of
course,
I
wish
to
know
immediately.
"

             
"
Aye,
aye
sir,
"
Harry
called
back,
his
voice
shrill
with
the
strain.
He
raised
the
glass
again,
this
time
trying
to
memorise
details
of
these
sleek
and
threatening
ships.
At
first
sight
they
did
not
appear
to
be
armed,
but
then
Harry
realised
they
carried
a
pair
of
quite
large
guns
on
the
forecastle.
Coupled
with
this
he
could
see
each
ship
carried
a
body
of
heavily
armed
men
in
evidence
with
several
lighter
guns
along
the
hull.
He
began
to
realise
the
threat
they
might
pose.

-

             
Ferghal
listened
with
a
quickening
pulse
to
the
exchange
of
calls
between
the
quarterdeck
and
his
friend
at
the
masthead.
He
had
promised
his
father
he
would
'
take
care
'
of
his
young
friend
and
was
determined
to
protect
him
from
any
danger
–
no
easy
task
in
a
seventy
four.

             
His
present
task,
assisting
in
the
making
of
a
long
deep
sea
leadline,
saw
him
skillfully
tying
off
the
knots
and
tails
marked
the
fathoms
as
the
boatswain
'
s
mate
measured
them
off.
It
was
interrupted
by
the
Boatswain.

             
"
Gather
all
up
O
'
Connor,
and
secure
it.
I
'
m
thinking
we
are
about
to
clear
for
action
and
this
kit
'
d
best
not
be
left
in
a
muddle
lad.
Make
tidy
and
strike
it
below
to
my
store
–
let
young
Gunn
there
help
you,
"

             
"
Aye,
aye
Mister
Billing,
"
replied
Ferghal.
He
liked
the
Boatswain
and
thrived
on
the
tasks
he
was
given
by
him.
He
liked
especially
the
Boatswain
'
s
patience
in
explaining
the
manner
by
which
a
thing
could
be
done.
Now
though,
he
moved
quickly
to
tidy
the
line
into
a
series
of
long
shanks,
each
tied
with
thin
cord
to
keep
it
from
tangling,
the
boy
Gunn
helping.
Then,
gathering
the
shanks
of
line
in
his
arms,
he
hurried
down
to
the
Boatswain
'
s
Store,
while
the
boy
brought
the
tools.

             
On
the
Quarterdeck
Captain
Blackwood
ordered,
"
Mister
Bell,
have
the
ship
cleared
for
action.
They
will
attempt
to
work
their
way
into
a
position
ahead
or
astern
of
their
target
and
try
to
disable
them
before
boarding.
I
do
not
think
they
will
attempt
us,
but
they
will
certainly
try
for
the
Indiamen
and
the
convict
ships.
Mister
Rae,
take
the
launch
to
the
Miranda
and
the
others,
make
sure
they
prepare
properly
to
repel
any
attempt
on
them.
Impress
upon
all
the
Masters
they
must
keep
close
to
us
and
Virago
.
Our
best
hope
is
in
the
wind
returning
or
in
staying
together
where
our
guns
can
hold
them
off!
To
scatter
now
is
to
ensure
capture.
"