One officer stepped forward as Bolitho removed his hat to the quarterdeck and said, "Welcome aboard, sir? I am Graves, second lieutenant."

Bolitho regarded him searchingly. The lieutenant was young and alert, but had the controlled caution on his dark features of a man much older?

He half turned and added, "The others are awaiting your plea, sure, sir?

Bolitho asked, "And the first lieutenant?"

Graves looked away." In the flagship sir. He had an appointment." He faced him quickly." He meant no disrespect, sir, I am quite sure of that."

Bolitho nodded. Graves 's explanation was too swifts too glib. Or that of a man who wished to draw attention to the absent officer's behaviour by excusing it?

Graves hurried on, "This is Mr. Buckle, the sailing master, sir. Mr. Dalkeith, surgeon." His voice followed Bolitho down the small line of senior warrant officers?

Bolitho marked each face but checked himself from further contact. That would come soon enough, but now his own impression on them was far more vital?

He stood by the quarterdeck rail and stared down at the gun deck. The Sparrow was one hundred and ten feet long on that deck, but had a broad beam of thirta feet, almost that of a frigate. No wonder she could contain such powerful armament for her size?

He said, "Have the hands lay aft, Mr. Graves."

As the order was passed and the men came pressing down on those already assembled, he drew his commission from his pocket and spread it on the rail. How hot the wood felt beneath his hands?

Again he darted a glance at the faces beneath him? In so small a ship how did they all manage to exist. There were one hundred and fifteen souls crammed aboard Sparrow, and as they jostled together below the quarterdeck there appeared to be twice that number?

Graves touched his hat." All present, sir."

Bolitho replied with equal formality, "Thank you." Then in a steady voice he began to read himself in?