‘Better a brigantine than a seventy-four, don’t you think,’ Gabe said matter-of-factly. ‘Now be so good as to beat to quarters.’

‘Aye, captain.’

Lieutenant Jackson then added, ‘Lavery has already had the crew roused up.’

‘Good,’ Gabe answered, ‘Now prepare to get us underway and have the bosun form a bucket brigade and douse the sails. It’ll not only help us catch a breeze it may also keep the sails from catching on fire from sparks or flying debris.’

SeaWolf had entered the anchorage at English Harbour, Antigua that day, delivering dispatches to Admiral Graves. Due to so many ships in harbour, SeaWolf had been forced into an anchorage apart from the other ships in port. There by making her the only ship in position to have a chance to save Admiral Grave’s flagship.

‘Mr. Gunnells,’ Gabe called to SeaWolf’s master.

‘Aye, sir.’

‘I would like you to steer us a course to intercept yonder fireship.’

‘Aye, aye, captain.’

Gabe called to the first lieutenant once more, ‘The master tells me we’ve a wind coming off the shore. I want two men with axes standing by the anchor cable, and then I want the sails hoisted. With the helm down this should swing us about and when I give the order, cut the cable.’

‘Aye, captain, shall I bouy the cable?’

‘If there’s time, but bouy or not I want the cable cut when I give you the word.’

‘Aye, captain, cut it’ll be,’ Jackson replied.

BOOM…BOOM…BOOM…

‘The flagship is firing at the fireship.’

Gabe turned to find Dagan speaking. Dagan was Gabe’s uncle, his protector and a man of mystery most would say.

‘They’ve shown their hand a bit premature,’ Gabe remarked to Dagan.

‘Aye, but the master says it’s the offshore wind they’re fighting that’s delaying their progress and giving us a chance. Otherwise…’

‘Do you think we have a chance?’ Gabe asked.