He gripped the hammock nettings and looked astern, even though he knew there was nothing to see. But somewhere back there was the rugged coast of Cornwall, with his own Falmouth a bare twenty miles to westward. The big house below the bulk of Pendennis Castle would be waiting for Cheney's return. For the birth of their child which he would not see for some time to come.

Another wave roaring hissing over the weather gangway, and he heard Gossett murmur, "A second reef 1 be needed shortly, I'm thinkin'. '

Pipes shrilled as the watch below was dismissed at long last, and Bolitho said, "Keep me informed." Then he made his way aft once more.

The big stern cabin looked warm and friendly after the windswept quarterdeck. The deckhead lanterns swung in busy unison and cast strange shadows across the green leather chairs and the bench seat below the windows, the old polished desk and table which gleamed in the lamplight like new chestnuts. He stood by the broad windows staring at the distorted panorama of leaping waves and flying spectres of spray. Then he sighed and sat down at his desk and looked at the pile of papers which his clerk had left for his. inspection. But for once he found he had no stomach for it, and the realisation troubled him.

The door opened silently and Allday padded into the cabin, his stocky body appearing to lean at a grotesque angle on the tilting deck.

Allday studied him sadly. "Begging your pardon, Captain, but Petch, your servant, says you've not eaten since you came aboard today." He ignored Bolitho's frown. "So I've taken the liberty to bring you some game pie." He held out a plate which he had covered with a silver lid. "Your good lady gave it to me special for you, Captain."

Bolitho did not protest as Allday laid the plate on the slanting desk and busied himself with the cutlery. Game pie. She must have packed it while he was getting dressed that morning.