"Thank you. It seems most satisfactory."

He stopped. It was happening again. The formal tones.

The offering and an acceptance. When they had always been used to sharing.

Understanding.

Herrick asked suddenly, "Will we be putting to sea soon, sir?"

"Aye, Thomas. Tomorrow forenoon if the wind stays favourable." He pulled the watch from his pocket and snapped open the guard. "I would wish to see my officers" He faltered. Even that was changed. He added, "To see the other captains as soon as is convenient. I received some more despatches from the governor here, but after I have read them I should like to tell the squadron what we are about."* He smiled. "Don’t look so troubled, Thomas. It is as hard for me as for you."

For a brief moment Bolitho saw the old light in Herrick's eyes. The warmth and trust which could so easily turn to hurt.

Herrick replied, "I feel like an old foot in a new shoe." He smiled, too. "I’ll not let you down."

He turned and left the cabin, and after a discreet pause Allday and two seamen carrying a large case strode through the door. Allday glanced swiftly round, the cabin and seemed to approve.

Bolitho relaxed very slowly. Allday was always the same, and for that he was suddenly grateful. Even his new blue jacket with the large gilt buttons, the nankeen trousers and buckled shoes which Bolitho had purchased for him to reveal his new status as a commodore's own coxswain did little to hide his thickset, rugged individuality.

Bolitho unfastened his sword and gave it to him. "Well, Allday, what do you make of her, eh?"

The man eyed him calmly. "A well-found ship," he hesitated over the word, 'sir"

Even Allday had been made to alter his ways. Never in the past had he called him anything but "Captain". It was their own unrehearsed arrangement. The new rank had changed that, too.