The Privateer's Revenge(112)

"Who, damn it, Nicholas? Was it Lockwood?" Kydd blazed.

"Prosser."

Kydd slumped in amazement. "That—that gib-faced shicer? In God's name, why?"

"To achieve his step as an officer."

"An' who was th' other?"

"The principal was Carthew. In a fit of jealous rage he paid a smuggler to land the chest and used Prosser to falsify your orders. Simple, really."

Kydd shook his head in wonder. "That any should be s' low." He turned to Renzi. "Nicholas, how did ye . . . ?"

"Oh, merely the application of common logic, and when I enquired it of him he most readily admitted the act. You will find his written confession here, the name of the smuggler, and as well he has agreed to testify against Carthew."

Speechless, Kydd could only gaze at him in admiration. "Then— then this means . . ."

"It is over, dear friend. With this evidence your reinstatement will be a matter of formality only, and remembering the particular kindness Sir James Saumarez had for you, I would not be in the least surprised to find him especially anxious to make up in some handsome way for what you have suffered." Stretching out lazily, he continued, "And from henceforth your new fortune will set you in the first rank of society, never more to concern yourself with trifles as we mortals must. Not forgetting that your means now will bring you influence and power, perhaps a seat in parliament? It were folly for the Admiralty to ignore such a one."

Kydd listened quietly, then grinned. "O' course, Nicholas, if life in a pawky brig-sloop doesn't please ye any more, I shall have t' find a new clerk . . ."

It took another brandy before conversation could resume.

With a triumphant flourish Kydd waved the evidence in the air. "Who'd have thought it? I hold in m' hands just a few squiddy papers, but they're enough t' see me back in command o' dear Teazer !" His eyes shone.

"And a nemesis for the wrongdoer!" Renzi added.

"Aye," Kydd said, his voice hardening. "Carthew doesn't know it yet but he's found out, an' I'm about t' choke his luff with this'n! I'll now have my revenge on him, th' dog!"

Renzi gave a saintly smile. "A court-martial and dismissal with disgrace from His Majesty's Navy, scorn and contempt at all levels and no hope whatsoever of being received by polite society ever again. And, of course, little prospect of employment by any who value probity in character."

The smile grew wider. "If, of course, you wish to cast him into damages then you must add penury to his suffering."

"Enough!" Kydd rose to his feet. "I'm goin' t' Saumarez— now!"

Renzi gave a little laugh, which he tried to smother.

"What?" Kydd grated.

"Oh, nothing. Just the irony of a privateer's revenge setting a right true sea officer back into His Majesty's Service."





* * *