'The best and the bravest. See this?' he went on, pointing to his empty eye socket. 'And this?' He patted the empty sleeve of his coat. 'I got these when I joined Captain Rawson in a Forlorn Hope. Only six of us lived to tell the tale. Mind you, we killed a dozen Frenchies that day and broke through their defences. Captain Rawson fought like a demon. It was 'im who dragged me to safety when I got my arm blew off.'

'Do you know where he is now?'

'I might do.'

'There's money in it for you,' said Catto.

The man was suspicious. 'Why are you after the captain?'

'I have some good news to pass on to him.'

'What sort of good news?'

'That's private. Now, can you help me?'

'I could 'elp. I still have lots of friends in the regiment.'

'Which regiment is that?'

'The Duke of Marlborough's — so I get to 'ear all the gossip.'

'And what have you heard about Captain Rawson?'

The man took a long swig of ale before licking his lips. Catto slapped some coins down on the table and they were swept up quickly by the man's remaining hand.

'Well?' prompted Catto

'This is only a rumour but it's a strong one. The word is that Captain Rawson's sailin' from 'Arwich tomorrow with the Duke.' He took another swig of ale. 'Is that any use to you, my friend?'

He was talking to thin air. Catto had already left the tavern and was trotting back in the direction of his lodging, leaving behind him an untouched tankard of ale. Money and free drink — the man was delighted with his bounty. It never crossed his mind that he might just have signed Daniel Rawson's death warrant.

CHAPTER FOUR

Something was amiss. As he watched them from the ship, Daniel Rawson was both puzzled and a trifle worried. Down at the quayside, the Duke of Marlborough was taking leave of his wife before sailing off to war.