Then he nodded, as if some thought had dropped into place, some inner reference been made.

‘I hope the future is kind to you, er, Bolitho.’ He turned away, the contact broken. ‘Now I must leave you. I have duties ashore. Events are moving once more.’ He reached the door and Bolitho could see the flag captain hovering, with a boat cloak draped carefully across his arm.

For a long time, or so it seemed, they all stood in silence, swaying only occasionally as the flagship pulled at her cable.

Bolitho realised that Sir William Proby was seated once again, his expression a mixture of bemusement and relief.

‘An unforeseen interruption, gentlemen.’ He paused to listen as calls trilled in the distance, followed by the muffled bark of commands. The admiral’s barge was casting off.

‘If you have no further questions?’ He was not, apparently, anticipating any. He looked at Bolitho. ‘Be seated, if you please.’

Bolitho stared at the solitary chair. The sword had vanished.

Proby scratched his quill across a certificate, and said, ‘On behalf of this Board, Mr. Bolitho, I congratulate you.’ He came around the table before Bolitho could lever himself out of the chair. Proby was a substantial figure, but he had scarcely seen him move.

He was on his feet finally and Proby was shaking his hand and saying, ‘We wish you a speedy promotion!’ Now it was Maude’s turn, shaking his hand abruptly and looking down at him, with a smile he would always remember. He had passed. It might be next month, or a year from now, before he actually received that lieutenant’s commission. But he had passed. The cabin servant was placing some fine goblets on a tray. But there were only three. He took a deep, deep breath, wanting to laugh, or cry.

It was over. And it was dark beyond the stern windows. He picked up his hat and walked to the door, almost expecting his legs to fail him. It was over. He must find Martyn, make sure that… He paused and glanced back at the cabin, the hands reaching for filled glasses. Tomorrow they would have forgotten him, put it behind them. It was only another examination.