I am deeply obliged to you, sir.
This city of New Orleans was an enchanting place. Hornblower was bubbling internally with excitement at the prospect of exploring it. Nor was he the only one, as appeared as soon as Sharpe had taken his leave, when Lieutenant Harcourt, captain of the Crab, intercepted Hornblower on the quarterdeck.
Pardon, My Lord, he said, saluting. Are there any orders for me?
There could be no doubt about what Harcourt had in mind. Forward of the mainmast most of the crew of Crab were congregated together looking eagerly aftin a tiny ship like this everyone was aware of everyone elses business, and discipline ran on lines different from those in a big ship.
Can you trust your men to be steady on shore, Mr. Harcourt? asked Hornblower.
Yes, My Lord.
Hornblower looked forward again. The hands looked remarkably smartthey had been labouring on making new clothes for themselves all the way from Kingston, from the moment when it was announced that Crab would have the astonishing distinction of flying the Admirals flag. They were wearing neat blue frock-jumpers and white ducks and shady straw hats; Hornblower saw their self-conscious poses as he glanced towards themthey knew perfectly well what was being discussed. These were peacetime sailors, voluntarily enlisted: Hornblower had had twenty years of wartime service with pressed crews who could never be trusted not to desert, and even now he had consciously to adjust his mind to the change.
If you could give me notice of when you intend to sail, sirI mean My Lord, said Harcourt.
Until dawn tomorrow in any case, said Hornblower coming to a sudden decision; his day was full until then.
Aye aye, My Lord.
Would the grogshops of New Orleans waterfront be any different from the grogshops of Kingston or Port of Spain?
Now perhaps I can have my breakfast, Mr. Gerard, said Hornblower. Unless you have any objection?
Aye aye, My Lord, answered Gerard, carefully ignoring the sarcasm. He had long learned that his Admiral objected to nothing in the world as much as having to be active before breakfast.
It was after breakfast that a coloured man, trotting barefooted along the pier, came bearing on his head a basket of fruit which he handed in at the gangway at the moment when Hornblower was about to start off on his official round of calls.
Theres a note with it, My Lord, said Gerard. Shall I open it?
Yes.
It is from Mr. Sharpe, reported Gerard, after breaking the seal, and then some seconds later, I think you had better read this yourself,
My Lord.
Hornblower took the thing impatiently.
My Lord [],Daring?I have imposed upon myself the pleasure of sending some fruit to Your Lordship.
It is my duty to inform Your Lordship that I have just received information that the freight which Count Cambronne brought out here from France, and which has been lying in bond in charge of the United States Customs Services, will shortly be transferred by lighter through the agency of a bonded carrier to the Daring. As Your Lordship will, of course, understand, this is an indication that the Daring will be sailing soon. My information is that the amount of bonded freight is very considerable, and I am endeavouring to discover in what it consists. Perhaps Your Lordship might, from Your Lordships coign of vantage, find an opportunity of observing the nature of this freight.
I am, with great respect,
Your Lordships humble and obedient servant,
Cloudesley Sharpe,
HBMs Consul-General at New Orleans.
Mr. Harcourt!
SirMy Lord!
I would like your company in the cabin for a moment, if you please.
The young lieutenant stood at attention in the cabin a little apprehensively waiting to hear what his Admiral had to say.
This isnt a reprimand, Mr. Harcourt, said Hornblower testily. Not even an admonition.
Thank you, My Lord, said Harcourt, relaxing.
Hornblower took him to the cabin window and pointed out through it, just as Sharpe had done previously.
Thats the Daring , he said. An ex-privateer, now under charter to a French General.
Harcourt looked his astonishment.
That is the case, went on Hornblower. And today she will be taking on some cargo out of bond. It will be brought round to her out of bond by lighter.
Yes, My Lord.
I want to know as much about that cargo as possible.
Yes, My Lord.
Naturally, I do not want the world to know that I am interested. I want nobody to know unnecessarily.
Yes, My Lord. I could use a telescope from here and see a good deal, with luck.
Very true. You can take note of whether it is bales or boxes or bags. How many there are of each. From the tackle employed you can guess at the weights. You can do all that.
Aye aye, My Lord.
Make careful note of all you see.
Aye aye, My Lord.
Hornblower fixed his eyes on his youthful flag-captains face, trying to estimate his discretion. He remembered so well the emphatic words of the First Sea Lord regarding the necessity for the utmost tenderness regarding American susceptibilities. Hornblower decided the young man could be trusted.