Puigserver followed him below and then stepped in front of him.
'That was a brave thing you did, Capilan.' He sighed. 'But he could have killed you.'
Bolitho nodded. The pain was getting worse. 'We have some hard times ahead, Senor. We must find water, and soon.' He tightened his jaw. 'But I am not turning back.'
Puigserver eyed him sadly. 'You made a gesture. One which might have ended your life. And all for a madman.'
Bolitho walked to the cabin. 'Maybe we were both mad.'
Herrick hurried after him, and as they entered the cabin Bolitho saw there was a chair directly under the skylight. Raymond must have been standing on it to watch the drama overhead.
Mrs. Raymond was aft by the windows. She looked very pale, but came towards him saying, 'Your arm, Captain.' She shouted to her maid, 'Bandages!'
Bolitho realised that Herrick was in the cabin. 'Well?'
Herrick watched him worriedly. 'What you did-'
'It could have killed me. I know.' Bolitho forced a smile. 'I have already been told.'
Herrick breathed out slowly. 'And I believed I knew you, sir.'
'And now?' He looked at him steadily. 'Thomas?'
Herrick grinned. 'I only know that you never cease to surprise me. And others.' He gestured to the deckhead. 'A seaman who has been cursing and complaining for near on a month was just heard to damn Sullivan's soul for threatening the life of his captain.' His grin faded. 'But I'd rather you rallied our people in some other way, sir.'
Bolitho held out his arm as the maid carried a basin to the desk.
'If you know of any way to keep up their spirits, Thomas, I'd be obliged to hear it. In the meantime, call the hands and get the royals on her. I want every stitch she can carry.' He checked him as he made for the door. 'And pass the word. One pint of water per day.' He glanced around the cabin, 'Officers and passengers included,' Herrick hesitated. 'And the surgeon, sir?'
Bolitho looked down at the maid as she cleaned the deep cut on his arm. She returned his glance boldly.
He said, 'I am in good hands, it seems. I will think about Mr. Whitmarsh when I have more time.' He added grimly, 'And at this moment, time is of the greatest value in the world.'
Bolitho waited by the open stern windows and watched the moon making a fine path across the water. The sea looked unusually choppy, but he knew it was from a steep undertow which explored the depths many miles from the African coast. At his back he heard the others moving into the cabin and finding somewhere to sit, the sounds of goblets and wine as Noddall went about his business. Despite the cool air after the day's blazing sunlight his body felt drained and stiff, and about him the ship creaked and groaned, her timbers so dried-out that it was a wonder she was not leaking like an old bucket.
A week since Sullivan had jumped to his death, Seven long days while he had taken his ship inshore time and time again, only to stand off at the report of some sail, or an unexplained sighting of a native craft.
Now, he could delay no longer. He had been visited by Whitmarsh that afternoon, a man so tormented by his own worries that it had been a difficult interview. Whitmarsh had made it quite definite that he could no longer be held responsible if Bolitho persisted in staying clear of land. The two remaining casks of water were almost empty, and what remained was little better than scum. More men were lying ill on the orlop deck, and those fit enough to work ship had to be watched by the minute. Tempers flared, and petty officers went about their duties with an eye on their backs for a knifethrust in a momentary display of madness.
Herrick reported, 'All ready, sir.' Like the others. Tense. Watchful.
Bolitho turned and looked around his officers. All but Soames, who was on duty, were present. Even the three midshipmen. He watched them gravely. It might teach them something, he thought.
'I intend to close the land again tomorrow.'
He saw Don Puigserver by the bulkhead with his lieutenant. Raymond a few feet away from him, rubbing his face in sharp, agitated movements.
Davy said, 'Makes fine sense, sir.' He swallowed some wine. 'If we give our people more rum to drink as we cut down the water, we'll be too tipsy to do anything!' He forced a smile. 'A fine situation it would be!'
Bolitho turned to Mudge. He was in the largest chair, still wearing his thick coat, and staring up at the open skylight as a moth darted into the lantern's beam. He saw Bolitho's expression and sighed.
'I called at this place just the once, sir. When I was master's mate in the Windsor, Indiaman. We was in much the same trouble ourselves then. No water, becalmed for weeks on end, an' with 'alf the people goin' wild with thirst.'
Bolitho asked, 'But there is water available?'
Mudge moved his chair towards the desk in short, squeaky jerks. Then he jabbed the open chart with his thumb.
'We'm now in th' Mozambique Channel, as we all knows.' He glared at Midshipman Armitage. "Cept for some too hignorant to learn aright!' He continued in a more unruffled tone, 'Th' African coast is fair wild 'ereabouts, an' not a lot be known about it. Ships put in, of course.' His eyes gleamed as he looked up at Bolitho. Tor water. To trade mebbee. An' to find theirselves some black ivory from time to time.'
Midshipman Keen was leaning over his shoulder, his face the only one present which showed little sign of strain.
'Black ivory, sir?'
Herrick said sharply, 'Slaves.'
Mudge leaned back comfortably. 'It follows that we must be careful. Land in force, get the water, if I can recall exactly where it is, and stand out to sea agin.'
Bellairs said, 'My marines will give a good account, thank you!'
Mudge regarded him scornfully. 'Just so, Cap'n Bellairs, sir. In their pretty coats, with their drums and fifes, I can picture it a fair treat!' He added harshly, 'They'd 'ave 'em for breakfast afore they could polish their bloody boots!'
'Well, really!' Bellairs was shocked.
Bolitho nodded. 'Very well then. The wind is staying with us, so we should be able to anchor by noon tomorrow.'
Mudge agreed. 'Aye. But not close inshore, sir. There's a fair bit o' reef just around the point. It'll mean every boat in th' water, an' a 'ard pull for all 'ands.'
'Yes.' Bolitho looked at Davy. 'You can arrange the arming of each boat with the gunner. Swivels for launch and cutter. Musketoons for the rest.' He glanced round at their intent faces. 'I'll want an officer with each party. Some of our people will need watching, if only for their own sakes.' He let his words sink in. 'Remember it well. Many of them are quite raw to this sort of work, although because we have been together for over two months, you may see them as veterans. They are not, so treat them accordingly. Lead them, do not be content to leave your work to others less qualified.'
He saw the midshipmen exchanging glances like boys about to take part in some private escapade. Keen, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Little Penn, openly impressed by being included. Poor Armitage, his forehead raw red from being on watch for a few moments without a hat. They were even less experienced than most of the men.
He looked at the chart. But for Sullivan they might have made the whole voyage to Madras without a pause, despite their shortages. Herrick had tried to help by saying it was bad luck. Puigserver had stated that he was behind him, whatever he decided was best for the ship. But it was still his decision, and nobody else could change that.
Some of those present in the cabin had stopped speaking with the surgeon altogether, and perhaps for that reason alone Bolitho had made no further comment about his choice of Sullivan as a helper, giving him the opportunity, crazy or not, of fouling the water supply. He saw him only on matters of sick reports, and each time was shocked by his appearance. The man was boiling inside, bitter, and yet unable to share his problems. He did not even want to.
He heard a woman's voice, saw the others look up at the skylight as feet passed overhead. Mrs. Raymond and her maid taking their usual stroll under the stars. He hoped Soames would ensure they did not stray from the quarterdeck. He would not answer for their safety at the hands of some of the seamen. He could understand how many of them felt.