Quarterdeck(107)

The lieutenant stared, then smiled. ‘I really believe you must be.’

He turned to Truxtun and removed his hat. ‘Sir, you have my condolences that this unhappy incident took place, but cannot concede any responsibility. This will be a matter for our governments to resolve. Good day, sir.’

The furious Truxtun did not reply, glowering at the man as he solemnly replaced his hat and went down the side to his boat, followed by yells of defiance.

What if it had been Tenacious instead? Kydd’s thoughts raced – a ship-of-the-line thundering out her broadside? How could two proud navies cruise the seas without it happening again? They were at war with the same enemy – that was the main point. All else was pride.

‘Sir.’ Truxtun drew a deep breath and Kydd went on quickly, ‘Be so kind as t’ honour me with a minute of y’r time – in private.’

Truxtun turned to Rodgers. ‘Stand down the men.’ He stalked over to Kydd and stared at him. ‘Very well – and then, for your own safety, sir, I’m confining you to your cabin until you’re off this ship.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ Kydd felt he was being carried forward in a rush of destiny that could not be stopped, yet his mind was protecting him from the enormity of what he was contemplating by an odd detachment from reality.

‘If I might go t’ my cabin for a moment.’ He was back quickly and went with Truxtun into his great cabin, closing the door behind him.

‘One minute.’

‘Sir. Captain – this is a madness. We must fight t’gether, not each other. So I’m now going t’ trust you with my honour, an’ I know it’s not going t’ be misplaced.’ He could read nothing in Truxtun’s stony face.

‘Sir.’ He gulped as he felt in his coat and withdrew a small pocket book. ‘Sir, this is a copy of our secret signals. If you are challenged by a British ship you may safely reply with the correct private signal of the day, here, and at night challenge and response, here.

‘Take it, sir, an’ I know you’ll protect its confidentiality with your own honour.’ If the enemy ever got hold of its secrets, the ships of the Royal Navy would be at their mercy.

Truxtun stared at the book and then at Kydd. ‘God rot me, but you’re a brave man, Mr Kydd,’ he said softly. He took the book and slipped it into his own coat. ‘It’ll be safe with me.’ He held out his hand. ‘I hope you do not suffer for this, but what you’ve done . . .’ He clapped his hand on Kydd’s shoulder. ‘An honour to know you, sir.’





Chapter 12



Kydd had been able to reassure Stoddert with what he had seen, and Liston had listened to his account of a new player on the world maritime stage with grave attention, accepting his considered opinion of the new navy as an effective force. But now Kydd must face his day of reckoning and his return to Halifax was charged with dread at how he would be received. He knew why he had acted as he did, but the Admiralty might regard it as no less than treason.

Leaving the deadly Sambro Ledges well to leeward, the packet he’d caught back finally rounded the grey rocks of Chebucto Head for the run in to Halifax harbour. He had been away only days but it seemed like months.

Soon Kydd was standing on Water Street pier. He knew exactly what he had to do. He left his baggage at the shipping office and hurried down to the watermen’s steps to hire a wherry to take him to the flagship at anchor.

The officer-of-the-day quickly got rid of Kydd to the flag-lieutenant.

‘I have to wait upon the admiral immediately,’ Kydd said tightly.

‘You have an appointment, of course.’

‘I’m just this hour returned from th’ United States.’

The officer snorted in contempt. ‘Good God, Mr Kydd, you know better than to come aboard hoping the admiral is at leisure to see you. Leave your reasons with me and—’

‘L’tenant, unless you take me t’ Admiral Vandeput this instant, you’ll rue it, an’ that is my solemn promise.’

‘Very well. Be it on your own head. What ship, you say?’

The officer knocked softly on the door to the admiral’s day cabin. ‘Lieutenant Kydd, sir, HMS Tenacious. No appointment, but he seems monstrous anxious to see you.’

Kydd entered.

The admiral was at his desk frowning, his secretary standing nearby with papers. ‘Yes?’

‘Sir, I have a matter of th’ greatest importance.’ Kydd’s voice came out thickly.

Vandeput looked at him steadily, then glanced at his secretary. ‘Go,’ he snapped, then turned back to Kydd. ‘You’re back from America. What is it?’