With the Frogs at our backs and threatening England once more we are stretched beyond any safety limit." He gestured across the harbour. A frigate was being careened, heeled right over on her beam, her bilges covered with busa figures, their naked backs shining in the glare like polished mahogany. Colquhoun said, quietly, «Bacchante, thirty-six." He tightened his jaw." My ship? First time I've been able to get her underwater repairs done since I assumed command." Bolitho darted a quick glance at him. He had always dreamed ob commanding a frigate since his first and only experience in the little twenty-eight-gun Destiny? Freedom to move and hit hard at anything but a ship-of-the-line, with all the dash and agility that any young captain could ask for. But Colquhoun did not seem to fit the role. Slightly built, with the pale, petulant good looks of a true aristocrat. His clothes were beautifulla made, and the sword at his hip must be worth two hundred guineas. Colquhoun raised his arm." Look yonder. Beyond my ship you will see the rest of ou_

flotilla. With these and nothing more I am expected to patrol and seek out the enemy, run errands for the fleets dab away the tears of rich merchantmen whenever they sight an unfamiliar sail. It would need a force five times as large, and even then I would hope for more?

He turned to watch Bolitho's expression as he stared across the shimmering water?

Bolitho said slowly, "Three sloops-of-war." He saw a tiny armed schooner anchored beyond the others. Was she to be his? He swallowed hard." And a schooner."

"Correct." Colquhoun moved to his table and picked up a heavy decanter. As he held it against the sunlight he said, "You are being given the Sparrow, Bolitho? Eighteen guns and only two years old." He eyed him flatly." Next to my frigate, she is the best under ma command."

Bolitho could only stare at him?

"I do not know what to say, sir."