Hugh glanced at Dancer. `You've all been having a time for yourselves in the old Gorgon, I believe?'

Bolitho hid a smile. There it was again. The barb, the hint of disbelief.

Dancer nodded. `You read of it, sir?'

`Some.' Hugh quickened his pace. `Also I saw the admiral at Plymouth and spoke with your captain.' He stopped by the broad gateway, his eyes examining the house as if for the first time. `I may as well tell you now. You have been placed under my orders until this local matter is cleared up, or my vacancies have been filled.'

Bolitho stared at him, angered by his abruptness, sorry for Dancer's position.

`Vacancies?'

Hugh regarded him calmly. `Aye. I had to send my senior and some good hands aboard a prize last week. The Navy is hard put for spare officers and men, Richard, although you would not know about that, of course. It may be sunshine in Africa, but it is icy reality here!'

`Did you ask for us?'

Hugh shrugged. `Your captain told me you would both be here. Availability and local knowledge decided the rest, right? He approved the transfer.'

The expression on their mother's face as they entered the house made up for some of the sudden hurt.

Dancer said softly, `It may be fun, Dick. Your brother has the cut of an experienced officer.'

Bolitho replied grudgingly, `He has that, damn it!'

Bolitho watched Hugh leading their mother into an adjoining room. When she came out again she was no longer smiling.

`I am so sorry, Dick, and more so for you, Martyn.' Dancer said firmly, `You need not be, ma'am. We

have both become used to the unexpected.' `Nevertheless…'

She turned as Hugh entered the room, a glass of brandy in one hand.

`Nevertheless, dear family, it is a serious affair. This is just the tip of the berg. God knows what that fool Morgan was about when he was killed, but no revenue man should act alone.' His eyes moved to Bolitho. `It is far worse than smuggling. At first we