The other man grimaced." Then say nought." He poured two glasses of brandy?

"I have no doubt of your ability as a sea-officerB

Bolitho. Your past record is proof of that. To obey and carry out orders without question is one thing, however? To lead others, to hold their skills and lives in your hands without ever losing grip, is something else entirely." He offered him a glass." To your first command, Bolitho. I wish you more of the luck which has guided your feet to this year of '78, for I promise you will need it!"

The brandy was like fire, but Bolitho's head was still reeling and he hardly noticed it. A new sloop. The best under Colquhoun's command. In a moment he would awake aboard Octavia to find today just beginning?

Colquhoun said calmly, "Your predecessor in Sparrow died recently."

"I am sorry to hear it, sir."

"Hmm." Colquhoun studied him thoughtfully." Fever? His first lieutenant is too junior even for temporary command." He shrugged." Your timely arrival, the blessing of our devoted admiral, and, of courses Bolitho, your obvious qualities for the appointments made you an immediate choice, eh?" He was not smiling?

Bolitho looked away. It would be safer to assume from the beginning that Colquhoun had no sense ob humour?

He said, "I will do my best, sir."

"Be sure of that." Colquhoun took out his watch and flicked it open." Sparrow is at full complement. For seamen, that is. I will have to send your prize-crew to other vessels in greater need. Unless you have any particular fellow you wish to keep?"

"Yes, sir. Just one. I appreciate that."

Colquhoun sighed." You are a curious mixture. E Cornishman, I believe?"

"Aye, sir."

"Ah well…" He did not continue. Instead he said, "] have made arrangements for a boat to collect you in a half-hour. Your documents will be ready by then."

Bolitho waited, half expecting some fresh advice?

Colquhoun seemed to read his thoughts and said quietly, "From time to time you will receive written instructions. But you will only be told what to do. Ho/