‘Aye, cap’n.’

‘It’ll do us no good to be blasted away by the flagship’s guns while we’re trying to save them.’

‘Nay, cap’n, no good at all I’m thinking and them neither.’

‘I’m glad you see it my way,’ Gabe said unable to prevent a smile at hearing the gunner’s response. ‘What I want you to do, Mr. Druett, is to start firing the bow chasers toward the flagship to get their attention. Keep firing…unshotted mind you, till they cease firing.’

‘Aye, Cap’n,’ Druett said, as he turned to go about his duties. As he made his way forward he thought ’but iffen the sods fail to cease firing, one little nine pounder mighten be amiss.’

Gabe looked about the deck. The crew went about their duties as they’d been trained but he could see the fear in their eyes, a frantic look. The biggest fear of a ship at sea was a fire. Here at English Harbour, with other ships so close the men would have a chance if SeaWolf caught fire. Some would…some could jump overboard and swim till boats picked them up. Others would die as half the men he was sure had never learned to swim. It was a hellish choice, he thought, drown or burn. I’d rather drown.

‘What!’

Damme, I must have been thinking aloud, Gabe thought, then said, ‘I’m sorry, what did you say Mr. Jackson?’

‘I was saying sir we’re going to be cutting it close, there’s not much room for error.’

The bang…bang…from forward distracted Gabe for a moment. Druett had the bow chasers firing but the BOOM…BOOM…continued from the flagship. ‘Get the grapples ready, Mr. Jackson. Put as big a line on them as will feed through the eye. Then have the ‘bitter’ ends tied off, so that alls ready if we are able to affect a tow.’

‘Aye, captain.’

‘Mr. Jackson make sure you’ve got your best men ready to heave the grapples. Their mind must be on the throw and not on the heat from the fireship.’

‘Aye, captain. I’ll be heaving one myself.’

Jackson was a big man and had risen from the ranks to become first lieutenant. There was no doubt in Gabe’s mind that with him leading the men, the heaves would be well timed and well placed. No, Gabe thought. No worries about the first lieutenant getting the job done. ***