The screen door opened and young Napier, the captain's servant, in his best blue coat, stood before him.

Galbraith took it all in at a glance. The great cabin which he had come to know so well, where they had talked, and shared their thoughts as much as any captain and first lieutenant could; and it was rare in many cases he had known. Times of anxiety and doubt. And of pride.

Some clothing was scattered across the stern bench, the captain's patched and faded seagoing gear, while his best frock coat hung swaying from the skylight.

Bolitho glanced at Galbraith and smiled. "Is my gig called away?" Then, half turned, "Here, David, help me with this sleeve a few more minutes won't matter. The admiral will know we are anchored."

Galbraith hesitated, and held out the envelope. "This is from the admiral, sir."

Bolitho took it and turned it over in sun-browned hands.

"The ink is scarce dry, Leigh." But the smile had gone, and the cabin could have been empty as he picked up a knife and slit it open.

Feet pounded overhead and blocks squealed as the boatswain's party made ready to hoist out the gig. The required formality of a ship's return from active service. Galbraith heard none of it, watching the captain's fingers curl around the envelope, its broken seal shining like blood from a sharpshooter's musket. He said, "Is something wrong, sir?"

Adam Bolitho turned sharply, his face hidden in shadow. "I just told you…" He checked himself with obvious effort, as Galbraith had seen many times when they had been coming to know one another. "Forgive me."

He looked at Napier. "Never mind about the sleeve. They can take me as they find me." He touched the boy's shoulder. "And rest that leg. Remember what the surgeon told you."

Napier shook his head, but said nothing.

"The ship will be moved. Repairs and general overhaul… as you were doubtless expecting." He reached out as if to touch the white-painted timber, but dropped his hand to his side. "She can certainly do with it, after the battering she took at Algiers." As if he were speaking to the ship and nobody else.