Ill have to think about that, too, said Bush.
There was another thing that he only hinted at, sir. He wouldnt make any definite proposal, and I thought it better not to ask him.
What was it?
Hornblower paused before answering, and that in itself was a warning to Bush that something complicated was in the air.
Its much more important than just a matter of prisoners, sir.
Well?
It might be possible to arrange for a capitulation, sir.
What do you mean by that?
A surrender, sir. An evacuation of all this end of the island by the Dons.
My God!
That was a startling suggestion. Bushs mind plodded along the paths it opened up. It would be an event of international importance; it might be a tremendous victory. Not just a paragraph in the Gazette , but a whole page. Perhaps rewards, distinctioneven possibly promotion. And with that Bushs mind suddenly drew back in panic, as if the path it had been following ended in a precipice. The more important the event, the more closely it would be scrutinised, the more violent would be the criticism of those who disapproved. Here in Santo Domingo there was a complicated political situation;
Bush knew it to be so, although he had never attempted to find out much about it, and certainly never to analyse it. He knew vaguely that French and Spanish interests clashed in the island, and that the Negro rebellion, now almost successful, was in opposition to both. He even knew, still more vaguely, that there was an antislavery movement in Parliament which persistently called attention to the state of affairs here. The thought of Parliament, of the Cabinet, of the King himself scrutinising his reports actually terrified Bush. The possible rewards that he had thought about shrank to nothing in comparison with the danger he ran. If he were to enter into a negotiation that embarrassed the government he would be offered up for instant sacrificenot a hand would be raised to help a penniless and friendless lieutenant. He remembered Bucklands frightened manner when this question had been barely hinted at; the secret orders must be drastic in this regard.
Dont lift a finger about that, said Bush. Dont say a word.
Aye aye, sir. Then if he brings the subject up Im not to listen to him?
Well That might imply flinching away from duty. Its a matter for Buckland to deal with, if anyone.
Yes, sir. I could suggest something, sir.
And whats that? Bush did not know whether to be irritated or pleased that Hornblower had one more suggestion to make. But he doubted his own ability to bargain or negotiate; he knew himself to be lacking in chicane and dissimulation.
If you made an agreement about the prisoners, sir, it would take some time to carry out. Thered be the question of the parole. I could argue about the wording of it. Then it would take some time to ferry the prisoners over. You could insist that only one boat was at the landing stage at a timethats an obvious precaution to take. It would give time for Renown to work up into the bay. She can anchor down there just out of range of the other battery, sir. Then the holell be stopped, and at the same time well still be in touch with the Dons so that Mr. Buckland can take charge of the negotiations if he wishes to.
Theres something in that notion, said Bush. Certainly it would relieve him of responsibility, and it was pleasant to think of spinning out time until the Renown was back, ready to add her ponderous weight in the struggle.
So you authorise me to negotiate for the return of the prisoners on parole, sir? asked Hornblower.
Yes, said Bush, coming to a sudden decision. But nothing else, mark you, Mr. Hornblower. Not if you value your commission.
Aye aye, sir. And a temporary suspension of hostilities while they are being handed over, sir?
Yes, said Bush, reluctantly. It was a matter necessarily arising out of the previous one, but it had a suspicious sound to it, now that Hornblower had suggested the possibility of further negotiations.
So the day proceeded to wear into afternoon. A full hour was consumed in haggling over the wording of the parole under which the captured soldiers were to be released. It was two oclock before agreement was reached, and later than that before Bush, standing by the main gate, watched the women troop out through it, carrying their bundles of belongings. The boat could not possibly carry them all; two trips had to be made with them before the male prisoners, starting with the wounded, could begin. To rejoice Bushs heart the Renown appeared at last round the point; with the sea breeze beginning to blow she came nobly up the bay.
And here came Hornblower again, clearly so weary that he could hardly drag one foot after another, to touch his hat to Bush.
Renown knows nothing about the suspension of hostilities, sir, he said. Shell see the boat crossing full of Spanish soldiers, an shell open fire as sure as a gun.
How are we to let her know?
Ive been discussing it with Ortega, sir. Hell lend us a boat and we can send a message down to her.