The storm lashed out violently as the waves crashed and beat upon the wooden hull of the ships in Lord Anthony's squadron. The pennant snapped and sounded like a gunshot as the mast and spars groaned. The winds created a whistling sound in the shrouds as the storm blasted down on the ships.
The helmsman steered a course almost due north as the squadron tried to outrun the tempest. It was on the eve of the third day the sun peeked through the clouds and the wind that drove the ships so furiously quieted down to a gentle breeze. Anthony came on deck and greeted his flag captain.
"She's a gallant ship, captain."
"Aye, my lord, with a gallant crew. It is my intent to splice the main brace before we come about and make our way to Saint Augustine."
"Good idea," Anthony replied. "How's the rest of the squadron?"
"All present and on station," Buck replied. "Audacity looks a little worse for wear but she's under full sail." Then Buck looking past his admiral could see the master approaching. "Well, Mr. Oxford, have you a good guess for our position?"
Anthony smiled appreciatively. Oxford would be as close as anybody could be but Buck was right. The exact position would be little more than a good guess until the noon sights could be done on the morrow.
Oxford ignored Buck's remarks and said, "There's a group of islands to larboard that I think is the Outer Banks of North Carolina so I judge we're in fact just off Cape Hatteras."
The master's positioning was very accurate as was usual for his breed of old salts. After the noon sighting the following day the squadron came about and made a leisurely cruise south to Saint Augustine. Audacity and SeaWolf chased a small schooner up the Cape Fear River inlet before being recalled by the flagship. Lord Anthony also allowed Swan and SeaWolf to take a peek into the harbour at Charlestown and Savannah but found nothing in either place.
The sight of British men-o'-war did cause alarm to the citizens of both places whose life had been very peaceful up to that point. It was at sundown on the fourth day after coming about the squadron dropped anchor at Saint Augustine.
Lord Anthony was disgusted as he seemed to face nothing but one frustration after another in his attempt to come to grips with the privateer Barracuda.
"We have been very successful overall," Buck pointed out. "Our convoys are making it through so there's no doubt as to our impact."
"Aye," Lord Anthony agreed, "but I'll not rest until Pigeon is avenged. We cannot, I will not allow a ship under my command to be destroyed without bringing the offender to justice."
Buck could tell by Anthony's voice his ire was up.
"They have to know," Anthony said his arm making a sweeping motion, "that to destroy a King's ship is to Barracuda
doom their fate. I will not rest until the rogue is brought to bear."
Bart was standing inside the pantry with Silas.
Anthony's words were easily overheard. "I's 'spect that cap'n of the Barracuda is in a fix."
"Aye," Silas answered, "His days be numbered alright. When his lordship gets 'is temper up somebody generally pays."
"Me thoughts as well," Bart answered. "Don Louis is a dead man and 'e jus' don't know it yet."
"Aye," Silas agreed, "not yet 'e don't, but soon." No sooner had the ships dropped anchor than Governor Tonyn's secretary came aboard with new orders for Lord Anthony. After reading his orders Anthony had Sir Raymond and Gabe repair on board. When all had settled on board and Silas had served a glass of refreshment for the group Anthony got down to business.
"The rebels are sending another invasion force into Florida. We have this on good word. The force is said to contain more than one thousand troops. Governor Tonyn is taking this as a very serious threat. He has already sent a force under Colonel Provost to repel the attack. However, we are to land a group of scouts under Colonel Browne at Cowford just north of here. Gabe, as SeaWolf has the shallowest draught you will put into the mouth of the Saint Johns River here," Anthony said pointing at a place on the chart which was spread across the dining table. "Once at this place you will disembark Colonel Browne and his scouts and return here and maintain patrol along with Neptune."
"May I ask a question my lord?" Sir Raymond asked.
Glancing up Lord Anthony nodded his consent.
"If it's only a handful of scouts we're landing why are you sending both SeaWolf and Neptune?"
"Good question. There's a possibility some of the invasion force may come by sea… a two-pronged attack if you will. Therefore you will act as defender should difficulties arise."
"Aye my lord, we will be ready."
Gabe had barely made it back to SeaWolf and informed his first lieutenant and master of their orders when the boat carrying the scouts was sighted.
"Tis but a wee outing," Gunnells said as he quickly reviewed the charts prior to setting sail. The scouts were as motley a mixture as Gabe had ever seen. The group was made up of four blacks, seventeen whites, and the rest were Indians. They were dressed in a mixture of buckskin, homespun Lindsey Woolsey and breechcloths.
Their outward appearance gave little hint to the effectiveness of the group.
Colonel Browne gave an air of competence and energy. In his late thirties or early forties he had made a reputation of being very skilled in the art of guerrilla warfare. This skill had not gone unnoticed by Governor Tonyn who had placed Browne in command of the East Florida Rangers. Browne was a man that was easy to like. He grew his hair long to cover the baldness where the Colonials had scalped him. Not only was he a soldier of merit Gabe decided but he was also a man set on retribution towards those who were responsible for his disfigurement.
Gabe glanced at the darkening sky as the anchorage became overcast. A zephyr carried the fresh smell of rain.
"Time for our afternoon shower," Dagan volunteered. "It'll not last."So you've become accustomed to the afternoon showers," Colonel Browne said, more a statement than a question.
"Do you wish for your men to go below," Gabe asked.
"No, captain, they're used to the elements. I'll not spoil them."
"As you wish," Gabe replied. He then called, "Mr.
Jackson."
"Aye, captain."
"Prepare to get underway."
"Aye, sir." Jackson then ordered. "Man the capstan."
The sound of a fiddle on the fo'c'sle rang out. Lum had proved very talented musically as well as in other ways. Since arriving in Saint Augustine he had traded a handmade flute for a fiddle. He quickly learned to play it and now sawed a sassy tune.
"Jump to it you idle bugger," Graf shouted at the men. "Stir your stumps you whoresons. Neptune 's anchor already has hove short. Damme but a sloven crew ye be."
"Anchors hove short," Lavery called from forward, his voice loud on a blustery wind as raindrops spattered on the decking stinging ones face as it pelted down.
"Get the ship underway, Jem," Gabe said using Jackson 's first name. Pleased, Jackson turned to do as he was bid.
"Anchor's aweigh," Lavery shouted.
"Make sail," Jackson ordered. "Aloft sail loosners."
"Look lively now," Graf roared. Snap, the sound of Graf's starter against the main mast. "Foley the next un will be across your arse you laggard. Lay out and loosen, that's it me lads, stand by. Let fall, let fall, I say. Man the topsail sheets and halyard. Tend the braces."
As the evolution for getting underway was being completed SeaWolf was like a racehorse straining at the bit. Then as the sails were sheeted home she was off with a sudden surge that rocked the deck as they became underway. The scouts had not expected the sudden slanting of the deck and several found themselves bruised and aching after tumbling across the deck. This brought laughter from one of the seamen and caused the scouts to glare menacingly at the man.
"I say, Mr. Jackson," Gabe said. "See that yonder man is detailed to cleaning the heads for the next fortnight."
"Aye, sir, we'll see how much humour he finds in that."
Once clear of the anchorage the sea became more violent. Spray flew over the dipping bow and dashed scouts and seamen alike. A look of concern filled the scouts and so it was no surprise to Gabe when Colonel Browne approached him.
"It may be best, captain, if I accede to your previous offer for my men to go below. It'll be difficult for them to perform our mission if they've been knocked about so."
"I think your being wise, colonel," Gabe replied. "I find it taxing to ride horses so do not be embarrassed by being out of your element."
"Mr. Graf."
"Aye, cap'n."
"See to it that our guests are made comfortable below."
"Aye, cap'n, comfortable they'll be."
"Bye the mark five."
It had been a quick trip from Saint Augustine north to the entrance of the Saint Johns River. Knight in Barracuda
Neptune sailed back and forth at the entrance as SeaWolf made its way up the river.
"Put our best leadsman in the chains," Gabe had ordered.
"Already done, sir," Jackson replied.
"Thank God we've such a shallow draught," a nervous Gunnells volunteered.
"A quarter less five."
"Hell's fire," Gunnells again, "Maybe we should anchor and send the longboats the rest of the way." The sails flapped loosely as the wind dropped.
"By the mark four."
"Sir," Gunnells cried the anxiety apparent in his voice, "are we to loose our keel?"
"Bring her up another point," Gabe ordered, ignoring the master's pleas.
"We're shoaling fast," Jackson said.
"Nay," Dagan spoke out, "it'll be deeper ahead."
"I wish I had your confidence," Gunnells said, still very anxious.
"Deep six."
There was a sigh of relief from Gunnells and a look of "I told you" from Dagan.
"Deep eight," the leadsman called again.
The river widened at this point. On both sides of the river oak trees and scrubs were so thick it was hard to imagine a man being able to make his way through the dense vegetation. After rounding another bend, Dagan sided up to Gabe.
"I get the feeling we should heave to now." Gabe started to argue but something in Dagan's demeanor made him forget his objections.
"Very well. Prepare to come about and anchor, Mr.
Jackson."
"Aye sir."
"Mr. Graf."
"Aye, cap'n."
"Have the cutter and a longboat lowered."
"Mr. Lavery."
"Aye, sir."
"As soon as convenient convey our passengers ashore. Select a master's mate to be in charge of the longboat and return when your task is complete."
"Aye, sir."
The sun was dipping and as it set beyond the horizon strange noises arose from the forest. While the sun was down the humidity was still high and the men were soaked in sweat.
"Glad I ain't pulling one of those boats," Dagan said.
As the night came on and the air cooled ever so slightly a mist rose from the warm Saint Johns. The mist gave an eerie sensation. A slap forward was heard as a man defended himself from a determined mosquito. This made Gabe recall his recent trip up river to Savannah.
They'd be no pipes tonight, however."
It was then Gabe realized all the sounds that dominated the night had suddenly ceased. No more sounds of crickets, no sounds of frogs, no sounds came from the forest; a sudden silence. The men on deck sensed the change as well. Mates spoke in nervous whispers if they spoke at all.
"Mr. Jackson," Gabe hissed.
"Aye, sir," the first lieutenant answered softly.
"Quietly, quietly mind you, have the men man the guns."
"Aye, sir," Jackson replied as he went to do his bidding.
Tension filled the air as weapons were laid out.
"See what the cook can fix the men," Gabe told Dagan, knowing it wouldn't be much with the galley fires Barracuda
out. "Mr. Jackson, after the men are fed let them sleep if they can but we'll remain at quarters." Off to larboard a splash was heard. Was it a fish, or perhaps a bird after a fish. After awhile the wind shifted and the faint smell of wood smoke from somewhere inland drifted on the light breeze. "At least it'll help wid dem skeeters," Gabe heard Lum say but to whom was uncertain as the darkened deck seemed to be filled with shadows. The incoming tide created a lazy roll to the ship not unlike the rocking of a cradle.
Damme but this is not what SeaWolf was built for, thought Gabe.
Two hours had passed when Dagan nudged Gabe.
Without realizing it Gabe had drifted off to sleep in spite of the pesky mosquitoes. He had been dreaming of swimming in a warm pool of water with Faith… nude.
Then Dagan woke him. Damme, he thought, this type of dream hadn't happened before and to be awakened before… ah.
"I hear the boats coming," Dagan whispered.
"They're pulling hard."
Gabe peered over the side but could see absolutely nothing in the mist, then almost like magic the cutter appeared followed by the longboat.
No sooner had the cutter ground to a halt than Lavery was through the entry port making his report,
"Had it not been for the campfires we'd have rowed right into an ambush. One of the Colonel's Indians smelt the smoke so we went ashore. The Colonel had one of his scouts shimmy up a tree. The campfires were obvious from his advantage. I wanted to land the rangers there and head back," Lavery explained, "but the Colonel wanted to get closer and said it could be done more quickly and with less noise if we continued on the river.
We pulled to a spot not more than twenty-five yards from where some of the rebels sat around their fires. I guess the Colonel could tell I was nervous about our
being seen as close as we were. He told me not to worry.
See the men staring into the fire? This has ruined their night vision. When they look away everything appears black. Let this be a lesson to you lad the Colonel said."
"If you are on bivouac put your back to the fire otherwise someone like my scouts will slit your throat before you can blink your eye. He sent one of his men to look for sentries and while we were sitting there we could hear the men at the fires talking. They already have five hundred or so men already staged, sir, but they are expecting another five hundred tomorrow… ere, this morning, sir. They are to come by sea, and run up this river in boats to meet up with those who came overland."
Hearing this disturbing news Gunnells spoke before the question was raised. "We are on the end of the ebb tide and the wind is outta the east, blowing directly against us. It'll be two hours is me guess before we can sail."
"Damme, what I'd give for a set of sweeps right now," Gabe cursed.
"Bit like a frog wishing for wings so 'e don't bump his arse," Gunnells said. Then seeing Gabe's look, apologized. "Sorry sir, didn't mean to be disrespectful."
"No offense taken," Gabe assured his master, "but we are up a creek without a paddle and I've a bad feeling about the morrow."
"I understand sir."
As the master ambled off Gabe called to Jackson,
"Roust out the cook and light the galley fires. I want the men to have a good meal in them, so they'll be ready to face whatever the sunrise brings."
It could be they'd have to face the enemy on both fronts. Could Sir Raymond hold off the invasion force until they arrived to help?
Lots of questions but no answers, Gabe thought