‘If Rapier is being withdrawn and two of the destroyers recalled to Singapore it doesn’t look as though they intend to leave you anything to fight with, sir.’
Snark snorted. ‘That’s the trouble with your generation, Lieutenant◦– always concerned with materials. Well, I shall do my bit even if it means sitting in a sampan holding a Lee Enfield!’
Hamilton could not restrain a small smile at the thought of Snark sitting alone in a small boat with a rifle across his knees and defying the entire Japanese Navy to cross the straits. And yet, somehow, he knew it was no idle boast. The old Navy man had been brought up the hard way and it was just the sort of thing Snark would do.
‘The C-in-C wants you back urgently,’ Snark pointed out as he reluctantly dragged himself away from his vision of glory. ‘How soon can you leave?’
‘Within two hours, sir. Rapier has already shipped a full outfit of torpedos and we topped up our bunkers this morning. I’ve kept her at maximum combat readiness all the time we’ve been here.’
‘You’ve certainly been taking on enough stores to last two ships for about six months,’ Snark observed drily. He held up his hand as Hamilton prepared to launch into his excuses. ‘No◦– don’t say anything. It would be improper to lie to your superior officer.’ He smiled conspiratorially. ‘I’m quite sure you are not engaged in smuggling or similar nefarious activities◦– we leave that sort of thing to the local police. But I share your view◦– if Hong Kong falls to the Japanese it would indeed be prudent to have some stores hidden elsewhere for you to fall back on if necessary.’
You crafty old bastard, thought Hamilton. All this time I’ve been taking you for a fool and yet you knew what I was up to. He could not help wondering just how much the captain did know.
Snark stood up. He looked at Hamilton with steady eyes. ‘Don’t worry, Lieutenant. I’d prefer not to know your secrets.’ He thrust out his hand and Hamilton grasped it firmly. ‘Well, good luck. I wonder which of us will get the first Jap?’
Hamilton grinned. ‘You’ll have to get your skates on, sir. If my arithmetic is correct I’m already leading you five to nothing!’
The roar of the Hurricane fighter, taking off from Kai Tak across the Straits in the New Territories, echoed back from the hills. Hamilton looked up as it skimmed low across the Peak towards Deep Water Bay to begin the first leg of its patrol. As he crossed the road to the waiting staff car he glanced back at Tamar. The old hulk, now flying the broad pendant of Commodore Collison, the SNO Hong Kong, had been moored against the stone wall of the dockyard since 1895◦– a symbol of the British Empire’s steadfast immovability. He wondered how many more days she would remain there to enjoy her fading glory.
‘Get back to Rapier,’ he told Hardacre briefly as the driver thrust his head through the open window. ‘Tell Lieutenant Mannon we sail at 1900 hours. I’ll be back on board in about an hour◦– I’ve got a couple of matters to attend to ashore!’
I bet you have, Hardacre grinned to himself as he acknowledged the instructions. Like that little Chinese popsy. Despite Hamilton’s attempts at discretion, most of Rapier’s crew knew about the ferry trips to Macao. Trust the skipper to find a snug berth. He put the old Austin into gear, let in the clutch, and swung out into the traffic stream. Hamilton watched the seaman drive off in the direction of the dockyard and then started walking towards the Officer’s Club.
He was not altogether pleased to encounter Ottershaw in the entrance hall. There were a number of urgent matters to attend to before Rapier sailed and he had no time to spare for social chit-chat. However, the gunboat skipper insisted on stopping him as he tried to hurry past.
‘I hear you’re another of the rats leaving the sinking ship.’ Ottershaw’s broad grin removed any possibility of offence in his choice of phrase and he clearly regarded it as a good joke.
‘Word seems to get around quickly,’ Hamilton said shortly, taking care to neither confirm nor deny the rumor.
‘You can’t be stationed in Hong Kong for eighteen months without learning a few things.’ Ottershaw explained. ‘Come on into the bar for a farewell snifter.’
Hamilton shook his head. ‘Sorry, Harry, but I want to keep a clear head over the next couple of hours. Next time, perhaps.’
‘I doubt if there’ll be a next time, Nick,’ Ottershaw’s expression was suddenly serious. ‘They’re stripping the Colony bare. The only reason they haven’t recalled Pears is because his boat’s in dry dock at Taiko. Once they’ve finished cleaning her bottom she’ll be on her way to Singapore like the rest. Then all we’re left with are five gunboats and the MTB flotilla. It would be laughable if it wasn’t so damned serious.’
‘I suppose they think it’s the Army’s responsibility,’ Hamilton suggested. ‘The Navy can’t stop the Japs coming over the border and seizing the New Territories.’
‘OK, then, it’s an Army job. So why do we only have six battalions of troops available when we all know the Japs have deployed three full divisions along the border?’
‘I really couldn’t say, Harry. I’m not one of the top brass. Perhaps they intend to send Repulse and Prince of Wales up in support. Or maybe the US Fleet at Manilla.’ He patted Ottershaw on the shoulder. ‘Look, old man, it hasn’t happened yet. Now that Tom Phillips has taken over he’s bound to start reorganizing things the way he wants them – that’s what has triggered off the rumors.’ Hamilton did not mention that his own recall orders had come from Layton and not Phillips. He did not believe in giving gratuitous information to anyone – not even a fellow officer. ‘So stop worrying about it. And now I’m sorry to rush away, Harry, but I must make some phone calls before I go—’
The telephone booth at the end of the corridor was empty and, picking up the instrument, Hamilton asked the operator for a Macao number. He waited impatiently for the connection. A girl answered.
‘Put me through to Senor Alburra, please.’
‘Sorry, sir, Mister Alburra not here. You speak Miss Chen?’
Hamilton swore to himself. Alburra would have understood the meaning behind his cryptic call and asked no questions. But Chen had a more personal◦– one could say intimate◦– interest in him. Evasive answers would only make her suspicious. He waited for her to come on the line.
‘Hello, darling. This is Nick. I’m afraid there’s a bit of a flap on. I can’t say too much on the phone. Will you tell your father that although he may have heard about me leaving Hong Kong for a while I want our arrangements to stand.’
‘Are you going away, Nicky?’
‘Perhaps◦– I don’t know. I have to do as I’m told. But I promise I’ll be back. So don’t go worrying your head about it. Now, can you remember the message for your father – it’s extremely important.’
‘I will tell him this evening. My father and I have no secrets. I know all about your arrangements with him.’ She paused for a moment. ‘But if you do not want the plans altered you will not be far away?’
‘It all depends on what happens,’ Hamilton told her enigmatically. ‘But I promise to get in touch as soon as I can. ’Bye for now, darling.’
He replaced the receiver before Chai Chen could reply. It was an unfortunate complication. Hamilton preferred to keep his women entirely separate from service affairs. But, if Alburra had chosen to tell his daughter, there was nothing he could do about it. He could only pray that she would know when to keep her mouth shut.