‘A chance for what?’ Dagan asked, and then continued on, ‘A chance to save the flagship? Aye, we’ve a chance. To save ourselves, to save SeaWolf, the odds aren’t so good. But with a little luck we should be enjoying a wet and a bowl of tobacco after the sun crosses the yard arm. Might even have Lum play us a tune on his lotz.’

Then Dagan turned away saying, ‘Best I go check on those axe men.’

Damme, if he didn’t make me feel better, Gabe thought.

Lieutenant Lavery had heard the conversation between Dagan and the captain. He’d been with the two since he’d been a midshipman. During that time he’d been through many battles. Some with the elements, and several with the enemy. The one thing he’d learned in all that time was to trust Dagan’s lady luck. Well he didn’t see no reason to change things now. If Dagan said it, he’d bet on it. ***

The sails were hoisted as men heaved on ropes as bosun mates threatened and cursed. More than one back felt the bosun mate’s ‘starter’ as evidenced by a yelp of pain here and there. Ordinarily Gabe wouldn’t allow this but the men had to attend their duties and not dwell on the fireship if they were to have a chance at saving the flagship.

‘Keep ’yer eyes off the fireship and ’yer back ’on the ropes you laggards. Wilson, ’es ye deef man, I said ’ta ’eave,’ a bosun mate growled.

A loud snap was heard from above as the wind filled the wet sails. Almost immediately SeaWolf began to swing on her cable.

‘Ease her up a bit,’ Gabe called to the master. As SeaWolf’s bow came around Gabe ordered, ‘Now Mr. Jackson, cut the cable now.’

The thud…thud…thud could be heard as the axe men chopped at the heavy rope that was holding SeaWolf to the anchor.

Almost at once one of the axe men shouted, ‘Cables cut,’ and SeaWolf lunged forward like a racehorse out of the gates.

BOOM…BOOM…BOOM…The flagship continued to fire.

‘Mr. Druett,’ Gabe called to his gunner.