Freeman came climbing out of the hatchway, still fastening his oilskins; the two of them touched their hats to each other.
The glass has begun to rise, sir, shouted Freeman, his hands making a trumpet before his mouth. Thisll blow itself out soon.
Hornblower nodded, even while at that moment a bigger gust flogged his oilskins against his legsthe gustiness itself was a sign that the gale was nearing its end. The light was fast fading out of the grey sky; with sunset perhaps the wind would begin to moderate.
Will you come round the ship with me? yelled Hornblower, and this time it was Freemans turn to nod. They walked forward, making their way with difficulty over the plunging, dripping decks, with Hornblower looking keenly about him. Two long guns forwardsix pounders; the rest of the armament twelve-pounder carronades. The breachings and preventer tackles were in good shape. Aloft, the rigging, both standing and running, was properly set up and cared for; but the best proof that the vessel was in good order lay in the fact that nothing had carried away during the weather of the last twenty-four hours. Freeman was a good captain; Hornblower knew that already. But it was not the guns, not even the vessels weatherly qualities, which were of first importance in the present expedition. It was the human weapons that most mattered; Hornblower darted quick glances from side to side under his brows as he inspected the material of the brigtaking pains to observe the appearance and demeanour of the men. They seemed patient, not sullen, thank God. They were alert, seemingly ready for any duty. Hornblower dived down the fore hatchway into the unspeakable din and stink of the battened-down tween-decks. There were sailors asleep in the fantastic fashion of the British tarpaulinsnoring heavily as they lay on the bare deck, despite the din about them. There were men huddled in gaming groups. He saw sleeves tugged and thumbs pointed as men caught
sight of himtheir first sight of the almost legendary Hornblower. An exchange of a nod and a wink. Hornblower, shrewdly estimating the feeling about him, guessed with pleasure that there was expectancy rather than resignation or reluctance.
It was an odd fact, but one whose existence could not be doubted, that men were pleased at the prospect of serving under him, Hornblower; the Hornblower, that is (qualified Hornblower), whom they thought existed, not the real actual Hornblower who wore the coat and trousers he was wearing. They hoped for victory, excitement, distinction, success; the poor fools. They did not stop to think that men died where Hornblower took command. The clear-headedness resulting from sea-sickness and an empty stomach (Hornblower could not remember when last he had eaten) allowed free play to a whole conflict of emotions within him; pleasure at being so gladly followed, pity for the thoughtless victims; a thrill of excitement at the thought of future action, and a wave of doubt regarding his ability to pluck success this time from the jaws of chance; pleasure, reluctantly admitted, at finding himself at sea and in command again, and regret, bitter and soul-searching, for the life he had just left, for Barbaras love and little Richards trusting affection. Hornblower, noting his inward turmoil, cursed himself for a sentimental fool at the very moment when his sharp eye picked out a seaman who was knuckling his forehead and bobbing and grinning with embarrassed pleasure.
I know you, said Hornblower, searching feverishly through his memory. Let me see now. It must have been in the old Indefatigable .
Thats right, sir. We was shipmates then, sir. And you wornt moren a nipper, then, sir, beggin your pardon, sir. Midshipman of the foretop, you was, sir.
The seaman wiped his hand on the leg of his trousers before gingerly accepting the hand which Hornblower held out to him.
Hardings your name, said Hornblower, his memory coming to his rescue, with a tremendous effort. You taught me long splicing while we were off Ushant.
Thats right, sir. Deed youre right, sir. That were 92, or wore it 93?
Ninety-three. Im glad to know youre on board, Harding.
Thank you kindly, sir, Im sure. Thank you kindly.
Why should the whole vessel buzz with pleasure because he had recognised an old shipmate of twenty years back? Why should it make a haporth of difference? But it did; Hornblower knew it and felt it. It was hard to say whether pity or affection for his weak fellow-men held first place in the new complex of emotions which the incident aroused. Bonaparte might be doing the same thing at that same moment, recognising in some German bivouac some old comrade in arms in the ranks of the Guard.
They had reached the after part of the brig now, and Hornblower turned to Freeman.
I am going to dine, now, Mr. Freeman, he said. Perhaps after that we may be able to make some sail on the brig. I shall come on deck to see, in any case.
Aye, aye, sir.
Dinner; eaten seated on the small locker against the bulkhead. Cold salt beefquite a good cut, tasty to a palate long accustomed to it and yet deprived of it for the last eleven months. Rexams Superfine Ships Biscuits from a lead-lined box discovered and provided by Barbarathe best ships bread which Hornblower had ever tasted, costing maybe twenty times as much as the weevily stuff he had eaten often enough before. A bite of red cheese, tangy and seasoned, admirably suited to accompany the second glass of claret. It was quite absurd that he should feel any satisfaction at having to lead this sort of life again, and yet he did. Undeniably, he did.