“Is there something else?” He had not meant to sound impatient, but he seemed unable to control his tone. Galbraith had not apparently noticed. Or had he simply become accustomed to the moods of his new lord and master?

Galbraith said, “If it is not an imposition, sir, I was wondering…” He hesitated as Adam’s eyes settled coldly on him. Like someone watching the fall of shot, he thought.

Then Adam said, “I am sorry. Please tell me.”

“I should like to pay my respects, sir. For the ship.” He did not flinch as a voice on deck yelled obscenely at a passing bumboat to stand away. “And for myself.”

Adam dragged out the watch from his pocket and knew Galbraith had noticed it. It was heavy and old, and he could recall exactly the moment when he had seen it in the shop in Halifax. The ticking, chiming clocks all around him, and yet it had seemed a place of peace. Escape, so many times. At the change of duties on deck, reefing or making sail, altering course, or entering harbour after a successful landfall… The old watch which had once belonged to another “seafaring officer.” One thing had made it different, the little mermaid engraved on the case.

He said, “If you think we can both be spared from the ship?” It was not what he had meant to say. It was the mermaid which had distracted him, the girl’s face, so clear, as in the shop. Zenoria.

Then he said, “I would take it kindly, Mr Galbraith.” He looked at him steadily and thought he could see a momentary warmth, something he had tried not to encourage. “Impress on the others, extra vigilance. We are under orders. I don’t want any deserters now. We’d not have enough to work ship, let alone fight.”

“I shall deal with it, sir.” Galbraith moved towards the door. It was not much, but it was the closest they had yet been.

Adam Bolitho waited for the door to close, then walked to an open quarter window and stared down at the water rippling beneath the counter.