you achieve success and carry them out will be your burden alone." He turned back to the window, his eyes on the careened frigate." I have held four different commands. The first was, of course, the most exciting? But also, as I recall, the loneliest. No more could I ask for help from my companions in the wardroom. Nor could I seek freedom outside my hours of duty. In earlier days I always imagined a captain to be a kind of god, put on earth to command and to leave all worra of execution to mere subordinates. Now, I know different, as you will."

Bolitho picked up his hat." I shall try and remember that, sir."

Colquhoun did not face him." You will not. You will think you know better than everyone else, which is as it should be. But somewhere along the way, in the teeth of a gale, or facing an enemy broadside, or becalmed perhaps with the ship's people near mad with thirsts you will know the true meaning of command. When you need help and advice most, and there is none. When all others are looking aft at you, and you have the power of life and death in your fingers. Then you will know, believe me."

He added shortly, "You may wait in the room by the

entrynce."

The interview was ended?

Bolitho crossed to the door, his eyes on the silhouette against the bright window. It was such an important moment that he wanted to hold on to every part of it. Even the furniture and the well-stocked decanters?

Then he closed the door behind him and returned to the waiting room. When he looked at his watch he saw he had been just twenty minutes in the building?

At the window he stood staring at the small ships on the far side of the anchorage, trying to distinguish one from the other, wondering what she would be like. What his company would think of him?

Eventually the door opened and an elderly lieutenant peered into the room?