The winter light was stronger, or his eyes were becoming used to it. He was aware, too, that they were not alone. Another figure almost hidden by a desk on the far side of the room stood up and half-bowed, the light glinting briefly on spectacles perched on his forehead. Like Daniel Yovell, he thought.

Grenville said, "That is Mr. Crozier. He will not disturb us."

He leaned forward in his chair and turned over the papers arranged before him in neat piles.

Adam forced himself to relax, muscle by muscle. There was no tiredness now, no despair. He was alert. On guard. And he was alone.

"I have, of course, read all the reports of the campaign conducted under Sir Graham Bethune's command. Their lordships are also informed of the operational control of the commodore, Antigua, "one hand moved to his mouth, and there might have been a trace of sarcasm. "Now rear-admiral, Antigua. It slipped my mind!"

Adam saw him clearly for the first time. A thin face, the cheekbones very prominent and the skin netted with tiny wrinkles, perhaps the legacy of some serious fever early in his service. Keen-edged, like steel. Not a man who would make a mistake about somebody's promotion. Especially at Antigua.

"As flag captain, were you ever concerned that the conduct of operations might not be completely satisfactory?"

So casually said. Adam felt the clerk's close attention, and sensed his pen already poised.

"I have submitted my own report, sir. Athena's log will confirm the ship's total involvement."

Surprisingly, Grenville laughed.

"Well said, Bolitho, like a good flag captain! "He leaned back in his chair, the mood changing again. "You are not under oath, nor are you under suspicion for any cause or reason. "He held up one hand as if expecting an interruption; like his face, it was almost transparent. "We are well aware of your record as a King's officer, both in command and while serving others.