He said, ‘It is far easier to drive than to lead, sir. But I believe that trust is all important. On both sides.’

Maude folded his arms.

‘Only then will you get the dedication you need when the odds are against you.’

Proby glanced past him. ‘Is that all, Maude?’ and swung round abruptly on his chair. ‘What the hell! I gave strict orders!’

But all three captains were on their feet, and the air was suddenly sharp, blowing from the outside world. The creaking of the rigging was audible now, and the occasional scream of gulls circling over incoming fishermen.

Bolitho wanted to turn and identify the newcomer, who had burst uninvited and unexpectedly into this meeting.

Like waking from a bad dream, he thought, a nightmare: the three captains rigid behind the table, and Maude’s height indeed compelling him to bend beneath the deckhead beams.

‘Excuse my untimely interruption, gentlemen. My barge is alongside, and I would not wish to keep my cox’n waiting much longer. But I wanted to bid you farewell, and thank you for carrying out these duties, from which we shall all benefit in due course.’

Bolitho flinched as a hand touched his sleeve.

‘And who is this? I was assured that you had finished here today.’ It sounded more like an accusation than an apology.

Bolitho turned and faced him. He had seen him only once before, when his own boat had tossed oars to the barge and he had had the briefest glimpse of Vice-Admiral Sir James Hamilton, the great man himself. His uniform and lace gleaming in the reflected light, cocked hat casually balanced in his other hand. Half smiling now.

‘Cornishman, eh?’

He knew his mouth had moved and he had said something, but it had been like hearing someone else blurting out his name.

The admiral was looking keenly at him. It felt like being stripped.