He had risen too easily to" Farquhar's intolerance.

He continued, "Our duty will "be first to examine the progress of French preparations in the Gulf of Lions. At Toulon, Marseilles and any other port about which we can discover enemy activity." He looked at each of them gravely. "Our fleet is stretched to the limit. We cannot afford to allow the enemy to scatter it to the extent it can be devoured piece by piece. Likewise, we must not have a large fleet atone end of the ocean while the enemy is at the other. Seek, find and bring "em to battle it is the only way!"

Javal said harshly, "And mine is the only-frigate, sir!" "Is that an observation or a complaint?"

Javal shrugged" "A malady, sir!

Probyn darted him a quick glance. "Iris a vast responsibility" He looked at Farquhar. "If we meet with superior forces we will be without support."

Farquhar eyed him coolly. "But at least we will know they are nearby, my dear George!"

Herrick said, "It is a serious matter!"

"Apparently." Farquhar's eyes flashed. 'so let us tackle it seriously. "

Bolitho made them all turn towards him. "One thing is certain. We must work together. I do not care what you may think of the value of these orders. We must interpret them into deeds. Drive them to a rightful and profitable end."

Farquhar nodded. "I agree, sir."

The others remained silent.

"Now, if you will return to your commands and relay my wishes to your people, I will be pleased to have you aboard to dine with me tonight."

They all stood up, already planning how they would rephrase his words to their own subordinates. Like Bolitho, each one of them, except Inch, would probably wish to be alone. in his own ship to prepare himself and his ideas for whatever lay ahead. But they would have little enough time together Bolitho thought. He needed to know each of them better, just as when a signal broke from Lysander's yards his captains would read the mind of the man who made it.