He said, 'I take it, Mr. Raymond, you have never borne arms for your country?' He did not wait for an answer. 'Had you ever worn the King's coat you would have known that one defeat, if admitted, is not the end of a battle.'
He heard Captain Strype say in his thin voice, 'By Gad, that's not much of an argument, what?'
Bolitho turned swiftly, his tone hard. 'I was addressing Mr. Raymond, sir, not some damned mercenary who because of his rank imagines himself to be a solider!'
Don Puigserver brought his glass down to the table with a loud bang. 'Gentlemen! I know that Vega and I are no longer involved here. I also believe that both Senor Raymond and the governor,' he bowed slightly to Conway, 'are both right. With Muljadi free to use his ruthless power and so influence other friendly rulers in the Indies, you can make no advances. With more military strength you would only excite a hostile reaction and further French involvement.' He paused and gave an eloquent shrug. 'Which I doubt my own country could ignore.'
Bolitho nodded towards him, grateful for his interruption. Another second and he knew he would have said too much, and Conway, even had he wanted to, would have been unable to help him.
Major Jardine cleared his throat. 'Despite what the gallant captain has said,' he did not look at Bolitho, 'I believe my force will be sufficient. I have two hundred sepoys and a mule battery. All experienced.' He had a thick voice, and sweated badly, despite the room's comparative coolness.
Puigserver regarded him gravely. 'If Nervion had been here, none of this could have happened. An additional ship, the men, and the showing of our flag to -the Argus would certainly have delayed, if not defeated, Muljadi's intentions.'
Conway said, 'But she is not here. Only the Undine.'
Jardine said thickly, 'And she does not seem to have acquitted herself too well.' He turned to Bolitho, his small eyes like steel. 'Even as a mere soldier, a mercenary, I can see that neither of the schooners lies at anchor, and as far as we know, the Argus still flies Muljadi's colours. What sayyou, Captain?'
Bolitho faced him. 'The first schooner turned turtle and sank. The other took advantage of Argus's presence to escape.' He could feel little emotion now. Words and taunts were inevitable. It was better to get it over with. Clear the air.
'Indeed, yes.' Jardine leaned back in his chair, his polished boots squeaking. 'And then the Bedford arrived to give you help. The poor, much-maligned Company's own ship was the one to drive Argus away.'
'Had you been there, Major '
Jardine spread his plump hands. 'But I was not, sir. I am a soldier. I am supposed to be able to leave such matters to our Navy, surely?'
Conway said coldly, 'I have heard enough. I will brook no more hostility here. Not from you, Bolitho,' he looked at Jardine, 'nor from anyone else!' He thrust his hands behind him, making his sloping shoulders droop even further. 'Had Undine been beaten in open combat I would have removed Captain Bolitho from command. He knows that well enough, and so should the rest of you. The Navy is too often expected to fight greater forces than itself possesses, and has been so successful in the past that victory against ridiculous odds is now taken for granted. By the empty-minded men of politics, and those who care more for quick profit than lasting security! As it is, Captain Bolitho will be required to sail without further delay, other than completing necessary repairs, for Muljadi's own territory in the strait.' He looked at Bolitho calmly. 'You will make contact with Argus's captain, under flag of truce, and convey a message which I will give you.'
Raymond said quickly, 'May I suggest, plead with you, sir, that you allow Don Puigserver to go with Captain Bolitho? He has the right to demand the freedom of Spain's last governor here, Colonel Pastor. He could explain his displeasure at such-'
Conway shouted, his voice bounding back from the timbered walls. 'I have been appointed governor, Raymond! I don't need your apron strings, nor do I need the help of the King of Spain, d'you understand?'
Raymond's defiance wilted under Conway's sudden anger. He said nothing.
Puigserver stood up and walked slowly towards the door, followed gratefully by Capitan Vega.
He paused and looked back at them, his eyes very dark. 'I would have accompanied Capitan Bolitho with pleasure, of course.' He smiled briefly. 'I have a great admiration for his courage, his…' he searched for the word, '… his integrity. But I have much to do. My task is to embark the remaining Spanish soldiers and their dependents on to the Bedford.' He glanced at Conway, his smile fading. 'As you remarked this morning, the flag of Spain no longer has authority here.'
Bolitho watched him stride out. He had sensed the tension as soon as he had arrived. It could not have been easy for Conway. Fretting over lack of news, waiting for supplies and troops to arrive. But he was wrong to antagonise Puigserver. If things went badly here, Conway would need all the references he could get, even in Spain.
Jardine remarked vaguely, 'I'd better be off then. Settle the sepoy s in their company lines, and replace the marines as sentries and pickets.'
No thanks, no admiration for what Captain Bellairs and his marines had achieved in so short a time. Bolitho glanced through the window again. The encroaching brush and creeper cleared away, and corpses buried. The place used as a hospital had been cleaned and painted, and even Whitmarsh had been full of praise for their efforts.
Conway nodded. 'I will meet you here after sunset, Major.'
Bolitho waited until the two soldiers had left the room and then said, 'I am sorry about my outburst, sir. But I have had my bellyful of his kind.'
Conway grunted. 'Perhaps. But you will hold your tongue in future. If Jardine commanded only a handful of crippled beggars I would say the same. I need every man I can get.'
Raymond stood up and yawned. 'This damned heat. I think I'll take a nap before dinner.'
He, too, walked out. He did not look at Bolitho.
Conway said softly, 'He disliked your remark about bearing arms, you know.' He chuckled. 'His wife has been singing the praises of sea-officers in general during your absence, and you in particular.' He frowned. 'I seem to be plagued with those intent on disruption.'
'Is she well, sir?' He could not face him. 'I have not seen her since my return.'
'She's been assisting that sot of a surgeon with the sick and wounded.' His eyebrows mounted. 'Surprised? By God, Bolitho, you've much to learn about women!' He nodded sharply. 'But you'll see, all in good time.'
Bolitho recalled her refusal to help tend the injured aboard Undine after Puigserver had been carried aboard more dead than alive. And her reasons? He sighed. Perhaps Puigserver and Conway were both right. He had much to learn.
He replied, 'I will return to the ship, sir. There will be a lot to arrange.'
'Yes.' Conway watched him thoughtfully. 'And remember., When you meet Argus's captain, keep your personal feelings to yourself. He is doing his own work as best he can. You would do the same if so ordered. If Le Chaumareys is still in command, and not killed by one of your guns, he will be eager to meet you also. He is older than you, but I think you may have something in common.' His lines deepened as he added dryly, 'A disrespect for your superiors, if nothing else!'
Bolitho picked up his hat. You could never be sure about Conway. Where the warmth ended and the steel began.
Conway said, 'Please come ashore tonight and dine with the rest of…' he waved one hand around the room, '… the castaways.'