‘Aye, captain.’
‘We’re about to come about. When we do so, I want every gun doubled-shotted and fired into the fireship at the water line. I want her sunk.’
‘Aye, cap’n. We run off the other rogue for you and now we’ll sink this bugger.’ ***
Lieutenant Lavery was good as his word. As SeaWolf came about the cannons fired and ball after ball poured into the fireship until she listed to starboard then sank, creating a sizzling sound as the dark waters quenched the inferno. The distinct smell of burning wood and tar still filled the air and looking about his crew Gabe couldn’t find a single person who was not blackened by the smoke and debris from the flaming fireship.
What a crew, he thought. To be awakened from a dead sleep only to face a burning hell and succeed in conquering the demon in a matter of minutes. Well, they’d enjoy a double tot once they anchored. They’d put the ship back to order on the morrow.
As SeaWolf made her way back toward her anchorage the flagship fired a salute in honour of their deed. Cheers filled the air from men who lined up against the rails.
‘The flagship has got a signal flying, sir,’ Lancaster informed Gabe.
‘Am I to guess? Tell me what does it say lad?’
The smiling youth replied, ‘Two words, captain. Well done.’
‘Acknowledge the signal, Mr. Lancaster.’ ‘Mr. Jackson.’
‘Aye, captain.’
‘Am I to understand you owe six guineas to the men heaving the grapnel?’
‘Nay, captain. I was speaking on your behalf so it is you I’m thinking owes the debt.’
‘Me,’ Gabe said somewhat sarcastically.
‘Aye, captain, but I’m betting the admiral will cover the debt as you saved his flagship.’