'Well, sir, I -'

'Madness.' Pears watched the straining main-course as it billowed out from its yard. 'But with a grain, a very small grain of value.'

Bolitho stared at him. 'Thank you very much, sir.'

Pears ignored him and said to Cairns, 'The two cutters will have to suffice. I want you to hand-pick each -man yourself. You know what we need for this bloody work.' He watched Cairns ' face and then said almost gently, 'But you will not be going.' As Cairns made to protest he added, 'I cannot spare you. I could die tomorrow, and with you gone too, what would become of Trojan, eh?'

Bolitho watched both of them. It was like being an intruder to see the disappointment showing for the first time on Cairns ' face.

Then Cairns replied, 'Aye, sir. I'll attend to it.'

As he strode away, Pears said bluntly, 'But you can send this one, he'll not be missed!'

Pears returned to the poop where Bunce was waiting for him,

his straggly hair blowing in the wind like spunyarn.

He barked, 'Pass the word to the second lieutenant to lay aft.' Bolitho considered his feelings. He was going. So was Sparke.

Take that man's name.

He thought of Cairns as his one chance of showing his mettle had been taken from him. It was another measure of the man, Bolitho thought. Some first lieutenants would have kept all the credit for the idea of boarding the other craft, hoarding it for the final reward.

It was getting dark early again, the low cloud and steady drizzle adding to the discomfort both below and on deck.

Cairns met Bolitho as he came off watch, and said simply, 'I have selected some good hands for you, Dick. The second lieutenant will be in command, assisted by Mr Frowd, who is the ablest master's mate we have, and Mr Midshipman Libby. You will be assisted by Mr Quinn and Mr Couzens.'