Id like Mr. Hornblower to come with me, sir, he said; it seemed almost without his volition that the words came from his mouth; a softhearted elder brother
might have said much the same thing, burdening himself with the presence of a much younger brother out of kindness of heart when contemplating some pleasant days activities.
And as he spoke he received a glance in return from Hornblower that stifled at birth any regrets he may have felt at allowing his sentiments to influence his judgment. There was so much of relief, so much of gratitude, in the way Hornblower looked at him that Bush experienced a kindly glow of magnanimity; he felt a bigger and better man for what he had done. Naturally he did not for a moment see anything incongruous about Hornblowers being grateful for a decision that would put him in peril of his life.
Very well, Mr. Bush, said Buckland; typically, he wavered for a space after agreeing. That will leave me with only one lieutenant.
Carberry could take watch, sir, replied Bush. And there are several among the masters mates who are good watchkeeping officers.
It was as natural for Bush to argue down opposition once he had committed himself as it might be for a fish to snap at a lure.
Very well, said Buckland again, almost with a sigh. And what is it thats troubling you, Mr. Hornblower?
Nothing, sir.
There was something you wanted to say. Out with it.
Nothing important, sir. It can wait. But I was wondering about altering course, sir. We can head for Scotchmans Bay now and waste no time.
I suppose we can. Buckland knew as well as any officer in the navy that the whims of wind and weather were unpredictable, and that action upon any decision at sea should in consequence never be delayed, but he was likely to forget it unless he were prodded. Oh, very well. Wed better get her before the wind, then. Whats the course?
After the bustle of wearing the ship round had died away Buckland led the way back to his cabin and threw himself wearily into his chair again. He put on a whimsical air to conceal the anxiety which was now consuming him afresh.
Weve satisfied Mr. Hornblower for a moment, he said. Now lets hear what you need, Mr. Bush.
The discussion regarding the proposed expedition proceeded along normal lines: the men to be employed, the equipment that was to be issued to them, the rendezvous that had to be arranged for next morning. Hornblower kept himself studiously in the background as these points were settled.
Any suggestions, Mr. Hornblower? asked Bush at length. Politeness, if not policy as well, dictated the question.
Only one, sir. We might have with us some boat grapnels with lines attached. If we have to scale the walls they might be useful.
Thats so, agreed Bush. Remember to see that theyre issued.
Aye aye, sir.
Do you need a messenger, Mr. Hornblower? asked Buckland.
It might be better if I had one, sir.
Anyone in particular?
Id prefer to have Wellard, sir, if youve no objection. Hes coolheaded and thinks quickly.
Very well. Buckland looked hard at Hornblower at the mention of Wellards name, but said nothing more on the subject for the moment.
Anything else? No? Mr. Bush? All settled?
Yes, sir, said Bush.
Buckland drummed with his fingers on the table. The recent alteration of course had not been the decisive move; it did not commit him to anything. But the next order would. If the hands were roused out, arms issued to them, instructions given for a landing, he could hardly draw back. Another attempt; maybe another failure; maybe a disaster. It was not in his power to command success, while it was certainly in his power to obviate failure by simply not risking it. He looked up and met the gaze of his two subordinates turned on him remorselessly. No, it was too late nowhe had been mistaken when he thought he could draw back. He could not.
Then it only remains to issue the orders, he said. Will you see to it, if you please?
Aye aye, sir, said Bush.
He and Hornblower were about to leave the cabin when Buckland asked the question he had wanted to ask for so long. It necessitated an abrupt change of subject, even though the curiosity that inspired the question had been reawakened by Hornblowers mention of Wellard. But Buckland, full of the virtuous glow of having reached a decision, felt emboldened to ask the question; it was a moment of exaltation in any case, and confidences were possible.
By the way, Mr. Hornblower, he said, and Hornblower halted beside the door, how did the captain come to fall down the hatchway?
Bush saw the expressionless mask take the place of the eager look on Hornblowers face. The answer took a moment or two to come.
I think he must have overbalanced, sir, said Hornblower, with the utmost respect and a complete
absence of feeling in his voice. The ship was lively that night, you remember, sir.
I suppose she was, said Buckland; disappointment and perplexity were audible in his tone. He stared at Hornblower, but there was nothing to be gleaned from that face. Oh, very well then. Carry on.