Theclerk returned. 'Tobias Stirk.' The big gunner got to his feet, then pauseddeliberately and looked back at Kydd. His grave expression did not vary, buthis slow wink caused Kydd to smile. Then he thought of the trial, and his heartthudded.

"ThomasKydd.'

Kyddfollowed the clerk, emerging into a busy room where he was handed over toanother. Expecting at any moment to appear before the great court, Kydd wasconfused to be led upstairs to a much smaller room, bare but for a large table.At a chair on the opposite side was a senior official wearing a graveexpression, who motioned him to sit down. A junior clerk entered and took upposition at a smaller table.

'ThomasPaine Kydd?'

Kyddnodded, too nervous to speak.

'Myname is Gardiner. We are here to determine the facts pertaining to the loss ofHis Majesty's Frigate Artemis? the lawyer announced, with practised ease. 'Yourdeposition of evidence will be taken here, and examined to see if it hasrelevance to the case soon before the court.'

Perhapshe would not have to appear in court at all. He might be released and allowedhome — but then reason told him that his contribution was a vital piece ofevidence. He and Renzi had discussed their respective positions. Renzi was aself-exile with a well-born past, serving 'sentence' for a family crime, andhad a more worldly view. Kydd had a stubborn belief in the rightness of truth,and would not shift his position by an inch. The result of his stand would beinevitable.

'Wereyou, Kydd, on watch on the night of the thirteenth of April, 1794?' Gardinerbegan mildly, shuffling papers, as the junior scratched away with his quill offto the side.