Cairns insisted, 'The fog will reach the other vessel long before us, sir. I would suggest that as soon as that happens we change tack and close with her with every stitch which will draw.'

'But if the wind goes against us.' Pears held up his hand. 'Easy, Mr Cairns, I can see your disappointment, but it is my responsibility. I must think of everything.'

Overhead, and beyond the cabin doors, life was going on as usual. The clank of a pump, the padding of feet across the poop as the watch hurried to trim a yard or splice a fraying halliard.

Pears said slowly, 'But it does have the stuff of surprise about

it.' He made up his mind. 'My compliments to the master and ask him to join us in the chart room.' He chuckled. 'Although, knowing him as I do, I suspect he is already there.'

Out on the windswept quarterdeck, his eyes smarting to salt spray, Bolitho watched the men working overhead, the shivering power of each great sail. Time to reef soon, for the captain to be informed. He had seen the activity beneath the poop, Pears with Cairns entering the small chart room which adjoined Bunce's cabin.

A little later Cairns walked out into the drizzle, and Bolitho noticed that he was without his hat. That was very unusual, for Cairns was always smartly turned out, no matter how bad the circumstances.

'Have you had further reports from the masthead?'

'Aye, sir.'

Bolitho ducked as a sheet of spray burst over the nettings and soaked them both. Cairns barely flinched.

Bolitho said quickly, 'As before, the stranger is holding to wind'rd of us, on the same bearing.'

'I will inform the captain.' Cairns added, 'No matter, he is here.' "

Bolitho made to cross to the lee side as was customary when the captain came on deck, but the harsh voice caught him.

'Stay, Mr Bolitho.' Pears strode heavily to the quarterdeck rail, his hat tugged down to his eyes. 'I believe you have been hatching some wild plan with the first lieutenant?'