‘I had heard something.’
‘Well, surely you-’
‘Sir, there are other matters touching on our survival that would seem to have more claim on my time. If we are to-’
‘I can only think that such a vast sum, unguarded, will quickly be a focus for every species of adventurer, to the hazard of our security. It would seem to me prudent at least to make an account of its amount and situation.’
Beresford’s lips thinned. ‘This is not-’
An army lieutenant intervened hastily: ‘Er, gentlemen, may I interrupt? As having but this hour returned from making inventory of the armoury and similar in this fort, I can say with certainty that there is no bullion or specie held in this building beyond a trivial amount.’
The room fell silent, all turning to the young officer. He continued nervously, ‘You see, Viceroy Sobremonte in fleeing into the country took care to remove the treasure to take with him. Some thirty tons of silver at the least, I was told.’
‘You mean there’s . . . nothing in the strong-room? At all?’
‘Er, some four hundred piastres for the payment of troops is all, sir.’
Popham turned pale. ‘Then – then we must go after this damned viceroy! William, if we’re to-’
‘We do nothing of the sort, sir. What will the world think? That we’re here on a mission of depredation and plunder? No, sir, I won’t have it.’
‘We must!’ Popham blurted. ‘Let’s send after him with a troop of fast-riding dragoons or some such. They’ll soon come up with the wretch – that weight of silver in ox-carts will slow-’
‘I will not, sir! And, in case you need reminding, I hold a commission from Governor Baird that honours me with the title of lieutenant governor of this city. All such orders will emanate from me alone.’
Popham took control of himself and replied evenly, ‘Then, sir, I would beg you consider the consequences in London-’
‘Pray keep silent, sir!’ Beresford barked. ‘I find your display at this time of difficulty an impertinence.’
‘No, sir, I cannot!’ Popham snapped. ‘This expedition is a joint affair – we all bear responsibility for what occurs. And should it be known that, for want of due dispatch, a treasure in the amount that will pay for this expedition many times over is let go for the sake of a nicety then we shall all answer for it.’
Beresford glared at him as he went on strongly, ‘And where, pray, do you expect to find monies sufficient to pay troops for an extended occupation? And reserves for works of fortification? And other? Sir, we have no choice whatsoever – we must go after it.’
The general hesitated. ‘The people here will resent its seizing. We cannot.’
‘The City of London will be much encouraged by its display and will hotly desire to invest in such a place, while Whitehall must perforce send reinforcements to safeguard same – the greater object is achieved.’
‘Nevertheless, I haven’t the troops.’
‘A small detachment will suffice. The Spanish are not expecting a bold move.’
Beresford gave it thought. ‘Perhaps those dragoons. Very well, they shall set out this hour,’ he said coldly. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me . . .’
The room resumed its clamour.
Popham mopped his brow and, recovering himself, went to Kydd. ‘An entertaining time for you these last days, I don’t doubt.’ He surveyed Kydd’s soiled uniform and winced. ‘Did our marine brigade put up a reasonable show of it?’
‘They did so indeed,’ Kydd answered warily, unsure what construction to put on Popham’s outburst.
‘But you’ll be happy to part with them.’
‘Sir,’ he said carefully.
‘Good. For I’ve a particular service for you that is of vital importance to our existence here.’
‘It’ll be my pleasure to be back aboard, Dasher, that I’ll confess.’
Popham smiled briefly. ‘That is, I have no power to elevate you to the felicity of port admiral but I can make you port captain. A very necessary post – responsible for all ship movements in and out of the port, and for the sake of our survival here the effectiveness of our resupply and cargo handling. You will keep a weather eye open for any motions of the enemy to agitate against us, and regulate the merchantmen when they come, which they surely will when they smell the trade.’
‘But-’
‘L’Aurore is in good hands. In your absence your premier has behaved himself well – and, in any case, her tasking is simple seaward picket duty.’
‘I had hoped-’
‘Yes. Oh, and one more thing.’ Popham leaned forward and lowered his voice. ‘It would oblige me greatly should you keep me in touch with what’s going on among our army colleagues. Not that I don’t trust ’em, but they have odd ways and I’d rather not be surprised, if you take my meaning.’
Kydd bristled. ‘In all fairness, Dasher, I think I’ve done my part. Can you not find another to-’
‘No. You’re the only one of my captains experienced with the lobsterbacks and, besides, this is but an extension of your current situation, which will last only until our reinforcements arrive in a few weeks.’
Kydd paused: it was a necessary and responsible post, certainly, but not best suited to his temperament. Yet, if looked at in the light of his career as a whole, Kydd had to concede it was a not unwelcome development. A spell ashore as port captain was often a necessary prelude to active flag rank in order to demonstrate organisational ability. Further, if L’Aurore was indeed to be kept criss-crossing the vast estuary, it wasn’t as if he was missing any action.
It settled his mind. ‘An office? Staff?’
‘You shall have my written order this day. Raise what you need against it. And do remember, a healthy and profitable trade is what is most calculated to rally the people to our cause.’
He clapped Kydd on the shoulder, turned and left quickly.
The din resumed but Kydd’s mind was engaged. The first priority was to register an account of every marine resource, from the total length of alongside berths to docking facilities, slipways, shipbuilding and repair. Then to establish procedures for Customs clearance, legal quays and all the apparatus of port control together with the outer services, such as pilots and surveyors. A form of coastguard and revenue service would be needed, but was that within his remit? And-
‘They said this was where I’d find you.’
Kydd looked round in surprise. ‘Why, Nicholas – what are you doing here?’
‘Is it so strange, old fellow, to witness a confidential secretary bearing ship’s papers to his captain?’
‘I know you too well, Nicholas. You’re curious – you want to see the ethnicals of South America.’
‘And so I have,’ Renzi said, with a grin. ‘In my short walk here . . . Look, if we go to the roof of this stout fortress, you’ll see.’
They climbed a flight of stone steps and emerged on to a flat roof, edged by parapets and populated by guns, to gaze out over the city.
‘Behold!’ Renzi exclaimed, throwing out his arms.
The fort itself was modest in size compared to other buildings, one side of it facing on to the large square, with the great cathedral in one corner and all parts connected by colonnaded pathways and arcades. On the far side there was an impressive, multi-arched building, which Renzi suggested was the seat of city government, the cabildo.
Closer to, the high gateway they had gone through was apparently the entrance to the marketplace, already with hopeful traders bringing in their produce. But beyond the opposite wall was the river, still a limitless expanse to the horizon. A long stone mole extended out but at this state of tide no boat could reach it. Instead they came to a stop some way out and peculiar carts went to attend them. Narrow, with a pair of immense wheels that served to keep them clear of the thick mud, they were drawn by listless, pitifully thin horses.
They looked downwards on to a stretch of foreshore and saw washerwomen at grassy pits working vigorously with wooden mallets, completely oblivious to the great happenings about them. Further along sea-birds wheeled in noisy clouds, shrieking as pieces of fish offal were thrown into the water, and out in the bay dozens of small ships lay at anchor, waiting for the situation to resolve.