Shall I give the orders, My Lord?
Spendlove has figures at his fingertips. He can work out the measurements. Would you be kind enough to send for him, Sir Thomas?
The cabin was soon crowded with people as the work was put in hand. Spendlove came first; after him Gerard was sent for, and then Sefton, the first-lieutenant. Next came the sail-maker, the armourer, the carpenter, and the boatswain. The sail-maker was an elderly Swede who had been forced into the British Navy twenty years ago in some conscienceless action of the press gang, and who had remained in the service ever since. His wrinkled face broke into a grin, like a shattered window, as the beauties of the scheme dawned upon him when he was told about it. He just managed to restrain himself from slapping his thigh with glee when he remembered he was in the august presence of his Admiral and his captain. Spendlove was busy sketching out with pencil and paper a drawing of the drogue, with Gerard looking over his shoulder.
Perhaps even I might make a contribution to this scheme, said Hornblower, and everyone turned to look at him; he met Spendloves eye with a glassy stare that forbade Spendlove to breathe a word to the effect that the whole scheme was his original idea.
Yes, My Lord? said Fell.
A length of spun yarn, said Hornblower, made fast to the tail of the drogue and led forrard and the other end secured to the chain. Just a single strand, to keep it tail end forward while Estrella gets under way. Then when she sets all sail and the strain comes
The yarn will part! said Spendlove. Youre right, My Lord. Then the drogue will take the water
And shell be ours, lets hope, concluded Hornblower.
Excellent, My Lord, said Fell.
Was there perhaps a mild condescension, a tiny hint of patronage, in what he said? Hornblower felt that there was, and was momentarily nettled at it. Already Fell was quite convinced that the whole scheme was his owndespite his handsome earlier admission that Spendlove had contributedand he was generously allowing Hornblower to add a trifling suggestion. Hornblower allayed his irritation with cynical amusement at the weaknesses of human nature.
In this stimulating atmosphere of ideas, he said, modestly, one can hardly help but be infected.
Y-yes, My Lord, said Gerard, eyeing him curiously. Gerard was too sharp altogether, and knew him too well. He had caught the echo of mock-modesty in Hornblowers tone, and was on the verge of guessing the truth.
No need for you to put your oar in, Mr. Gerard, snapped Hornblower. Do I have to recall you to your duty? Wheres my dinner, Mr. Gerard? Do I always have to starve while Im under your care? What will Lady Barbara say when she hears you allow me to go hungry?
I beg pardon, My Lord, spluttered Gerard, entirely taken aback. Id quite forgottenyouve been so busy, My Lord
His embarrassment was intense; he turned this way and that in the crowded cabin as if looking about him for the missing dinner.
No time now, Mr. Gerard, said Hornblower. Until the need for distracting Gerards attention had arisen he had been equally forgetful of the need for dinner. Lets hope His Excellency will offer us some small collation.
I really must beg your pardon, My Lord, said Fell, equally embarrassed.
Oh, no matter, Sir Thomas, said Hornblower, waving the apologies aside testily. You and I are in the same condition. Let me see that drawing, Mr. Spendlove.
He was continually
being led into playing the part of a peppery old gentleman, when he knew himself to be nothing of the sort. He was able to mellow again as they went once more through the details of the construction of the drogue, and he gave his approval.
I believe, Sir Thomas, he said, that you have decided to entrust the work to Mr. Sefton during our absence ashore? Fell bowed his agreement.
Mr. Spendlove will remain under your orders, Mr. Sefton. Mr. Gerard will accompany Sir Thomas and me. I dont know what you have decided, Sir Thomas, but I would suggest that you bring a lieutenant and a midshipman with you to His Excellencys reception.
Aye aye, My Lord.
Mr. Sefton, I am sure I can trust you to have this work completed by the time of our return, early in the middle watch, I fancy?
Yes, My Lord.
So there it was all settled, except for the dreary interval of waiting. This was just like war-time, standing by with a crisis looming in the near future.
Dinner, My Lord? suggested Gerard, eagerly. He wanted no dinner. He was weary now that all was settled and the tension easing.
Ill call for Giles if I want some, he said, looking round the crowded cabin. He wanted to dismiss the horde of people, and sought words to do so politely.
Then Ill attend to my other duties, My Lord, said Fell, suddenly and surprisingly tactful.
Very well, Sir Thomas, thank you.
The cabin emptied itself rapidly; Hornblower was able by a mere look to put an end to Gerards tendency to linger. Then he could sink back into his chair and relax, sturdily ignoring Giles when he came in with another lighted lamp for the darkening cabin. The ship was full of the sound of the business of watering, sheaves squealing in blocks, pumps clanking, hoarse orders; the noise was sufficiently distracting to prevent his thoughts maintaining any regular course. He was in half a doze when a knock on the door preceded the arrival of a midshipman.