The Adventures of Leftenant Rundel (book 4 of 9 of the Rundel Series)

By N. Beetham Stark

The great battles in the Mediterranean are over and Ben is asked to assist with the assault on a castle on shore at St. Elmo. He is assigned to a bomb boat and with his friend, Tom Murphy, they learn how to sail the bomb boat and handle the mortars. When Commodore Troubridge is sent to explore Rome, Ben finds himself suddenly left sitting in the hot seat while the commodore returns to his ship. His friend Tom, has considerable trouble with exams and Ben helps him through his stressful Leftenant’s exam.

They sail off to Quiberon Bay and later to Killalla Bay. Some imposters pose as nobility when Ben is sent to escort them to England. Ben and his men end up in a French prison, but Ben wins their freedom when he is able to use his medical knowledge to cure the commandante when he becomes ill with fever. They encounter some African slaves who are marooned on a Caribbean island with little food. This really happened. Things get a bit testy when the Negroes begin to pick off crewmen for dinner from his commander’s ship which has gone aground. A fire ship is mysteriously linked to a problem on one of the islands in the Caribbean. Ben visits the island and learns much about its people and their language of the drums. The adventures continue in Book 6, Captain Rundel I.

• Language: English
• Publisher: N. Beetham Stark
• Release date: Oct 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781904959915

N. Beetham Stark

Nellie Beetham Stark was born November 20, 1933, in Norwich, Connecticut to Theodore and Dorothy Pendleton Beetham. She attended the Norwich Free Academy and later Connecticut College in New London, CT before graduating with a MA and a Ph.D. degree in Botany (Ecology) from Duke University.Stark worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a botanist for six years and then joined the Desert Research Institute in Reno, Nevada where she worked on desert and forest ecology and later tropical nutrient cycling. She has consulted in many countries, working for some time in Russia, Australia and South America. She developed the theory that explains why tropical white sand soils cannot grow good food crops and described the decline processes of soils. She has also developed a science of surethology, or survival behavior which describes how humans must adapt to their environments if they hope to survive long term. She has 96 professional publications and has published in four languages.Her life long hobby has been English history, with emphasis on naval history. Her family came originally from Tristan Da Cunha in the South Atlantic in the early 1900’s. Her grandfather was a whale ship captain for a time which spurred her interest in naval history. She also paints pictures of sailing ships which she has used as covers for her historical novels. She has built several scale models of sailing ships and does extensive research on ships and naval history, traveling to England once yearly.Stark was awarded the Connecticut Medal by Connecticut College in 1986 and the Distinguished Native Daughter Award for South Eastern Connecticut in 1985. She was named outstanding Forestry Professor three times by the students of the University of Montana, School of Forestry.Today she writes historical novels, mostly set in England. She has published some 21 novels in the past twenty years, mostly on the internet. She lives on a farm in Oregon and raises hay and cows.Stark's two most popular book series are:Early Irish-English History1. The Twins of Torsh, 44 A.D. to 90 A.D.1. Rolf "The Red" MacCanna, 796-8462. An Irishman's Revenge, 1066-11124. Brothers 4, 1180-12165. Edward's Right Hand, 1272-13076. We Three Kings, 1377-1422The Napoleonic Wars at Sea (Benjamin Rundel)1. Humble Launching - A Story of a Little Boy Growing Up at Sea, 17872. Midshipman Rundel - The Wandering Midshipman, 17953. Mediterranean Madness - The Luckless Leftenant Rundel, 17974. The Adventures of Leftenant Rundel, 1797-17995. Forever Leftenant Rundel, 1800-18036. Captain Rundel I – Trafalgar and Beyond, 1803-18067. Captain Rundel II – Give Me a Fair Wind, 1806-18098. Captain Rundel III – Bend Me a Sail, 1810-18139. Admiral Rundel – 1814-1846

Book preview

The Adventures of Leftenant Rundel

An Historical Novel of the Sea

Book 4 of the Rundel Series

SECOND EDITION

by N. Beetham Stark

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Discover other titles by N. Beetham Stark at

Smashwords.com or at NBeethamStark.com.

First Published in Oregon by N. Beetham Stark, 2010

Second Publising by Smashwords, 2013

Copyright, 2010, N. Beetham Stark

A CIP Catalogue record for this book is available from the British

Library or from the U. S. Library of Congress.

First Printing, 2010 in the UK

US 13 ISBN 978-1-58690-101-1

UK 13 ISBN 978-1-904959- 91-5

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher and copyright holder.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

* * * * *

DEDICATION - This book is dedicated to Tintagon for her companionship while I was writing this book and to our mutual friend P.P.

Acknowledgments

The author is indebted to the Royal Naval Museum, the National Maritime Museum, The Maritime Trust and the Lancaster Maritime Museum for information used in reconstructing the historical events in this novel. Authors such as C.S. Forester, Dudley Pope, Alexander Kent and Patrick O'Brien stirred my interest in stories of naval adventures. Nelson's Captains by Ludovic Kennedy, Nelson by David Walder, The Illustrated Companion to Nelson's Navy by Nicholas Blake and Richard Lawrence, and Nelson's Battles by Nicholas Tracy were all invaluable in providing insights into the life of seamen of the times.

The Benjamin Rundel Series by N. Beetham Stark

This is the fourth in a series of nine books centered around the life of an orphan, Benjamin Rundel, a fictitious character who relates history to the reader as he might have experienced it himself. The complete series includes:

Humble Launching - A Story of a Little Boy Growing Up at Sea, 1787

Midshipman Rundel - The Wandering Midshipman, 1795

Mediterranean Madness - The Luckless Leftenant Rundel, 1797

The Adventures of Leftenant Rundel, 1797-1799

Forever Leftenant Rundel, 1800-1803

Captain Rundel I – Trafalgar and Beyond, 1803-1806

Captain Rundel II – Give Me a Fair Wind, 1806-1809

Captain Rundel III – Bend Me a Sail, 1810-1813

Admiral Rundel – 1814-1846

See NBeethamStark.com for information on how to find all of the books in the Rundel series, as well as Stark’s other works.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Ch 1 - St. Elmo's Castle

Ch 2 - The Bomb Boat

Ch 3 - I'll Give You Rome For A Turn Of the Cards

Ch 4 - The Dreaded Exam and Off To Malta

Ch 5 - Quiberon Bay

Ch 6 - Killala Bay

Ch 7 - Wrecked, Almost

Ch 8 - Traitors

Ch 9 - The Panama Jungle

Ch 10 - Sunken Treasure

Ch 11 - Aground and On The Menu

Ch 12 - Ambush - Capturing Pink Elephants

Ch 13 - Fire Ship

Ch 14 - Drums

Ch 15 - Turnabout

INTRODUCTION

"I am retired now, an old and broken man. I live in a house much like the one where I was born. It overlooks the English Channel and has a fine garden. I brought my steward, Stuart Gibbs, with me when I left my last ship. He has long been a friend. Molly Kendish, the cook, lives with us too and Tom Murphy lives with us much of the time.

A few years ago Gibbs urged me to write the story of my life. I finally weakened and consented. After all, what else is there to do in the late afternoon of life but to sit by the sea and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Now I sit and talk about my life, which is quite unlike that of any other person who has ever lived. I was into too many adventures and I liked to live dangerously. It is a miracle that I reached reproductive age. But when I could not find trouble on my own, King George III, rather, the Admiralty, seemed able to oblige my needs.

I dictate the events of my life to Gibbs who sits dutifully scribbling away. I have cautioned him that there are some events in my life which can only be told adequately in my own words. He was not with me in my early years, and so, I often tell my story my own way. He joined me first aboard the Hawk but I did not know him then. I only met him when I joined the Agememnon. But much of the time, he tells my story as an observer. As steward, he would never be allowed to be more than an observer, standing on the sidelines and offering a clean, dry shirt here, a warm meal there. Such were his duties. He was once a clerk at a large warehouse for the firm of Biggam and Biggam. Now he is my constant companion and it is he who will relate most of the events of my life."

Authors Note: Benjamin Rundel is completely fictitious, but I have woven him into the fabric of history that covers the wars with France during the late 1700's and early 1800's. Most of the battles and historic events are portrayed with reasonable accuracy. Mr. Rundel is the hero who never was recognized as a hero. No hero could ever outshine Admiral Lord Nelson. Many fine heroes lived in Britain at that time and many have been forgotten because they could not rise above England's greatest naval officer. In a way, this is their story too. It was all of those unsung heroes who helped to make this particular era the most exciting and challenging in all of history at sea. Ben is a commoner who fights his way almost to the top, but is cut down in his greatest glory. Although there were some slave uprisings in the Caribbean, the author knows of no such upheaval involving Saint-Martin. The events set there are entirely fictitious as are the treasure ship and the chapter about 'Traitors.' You will love Ben as he struggles from a frightened, lonely boy to a courageous captain and a disillusioned admiral.

Chapter 1 - St. Elmo's Castle - 1799

Ben was dressed as smartly as the worst dressed Leftenant in the British Navy might be. He had taken care to polish his shoes and had cleaned and ironed his tie and brushed his jacket. He looked smart enough in his refurbished uniform to qualify as a captain. If only this is the day that I will get my commission as post captain! he thought. He had high hopes. Tom had looked him all over and straightened his tie a bit, brushed a bit of dust from his hat and taken out a dent that didn't belong there.

You’re as ready as you’ll ever be, lad. Keep on smilin’ and they'll have to make you a captain, said Tom as he slapped Ben on the back playfully. Lord Nelson was packing, but hadn't left Palermo for England yet.

Ben smiled. I hope that all it will take is a confident smile. I'm ready for a change.

Tom looked at him again.

What a change from the little squirt who was known as, Little Pee In A Bottle, when he first came aboard the Faithful!

The man who stood before him now was a tall lad, almost a head above Tom, a slender, strapping youth, with an unruly shock of dark auburn hair, a strong chin, ready smile, and blazing green eyes. His hands were large and his arms strong from serving as a common seaman in his early years. If one neglected the uniform, he was as handsome a youth as Tom had ever seen. You’ll do just fine lad, now off with’ ye.

Ben approached the Admiral’s quarters and saluted the marine on guard.

Leftenant Rundel reporting to see Admiral Lord Nelson.

Enter, Mr. Rundel, came the call from within. Lord Nelson sat leaning over his desk with a mountain of papers before him. His face was drawn and heavy lines marred his normally smooth forehead. He turned bloodshot eyes up to Ben and motioned for him to sit down. Ben noticed how his narrow chin and long nose were accentuated when he was tired or sick. He and the admiral had become friends, in spite of the admiral’s short comings in his personal life, but now Ben could not felt easy in his presence. It wasn't like it had been in the old days before the Battle of the Nile. Things were different then. Nelson was his hero then. We were all brothers, all working together as one man, one mind, for the good of King and Country, thought Ben. He was inspired by the Admiral’s uncanny ability to plan and lead his men to victory.

You have been on land for a good bit now, Leftenant Rundel. I think that it is high time that you set to sea again and got your feet wet. Not that I have not appreciated the kind service that you have rendered me as my clerk, but all good things must end now, mustn’t they. I'm sending you off to serve under Captain Troubridge. He's shy a second leftenant since Leftenant Mulkey came down with the Maltese fever. You’ll be filling his shoes for the near future.

Ben looked up at the Admiral. Ben's face must have reflected all of the disappointment that one soul could possible contain. Thoughts whirled about in his head. This can’t be! I was sure I would rate a captain’s commission, or at least a commander or acting captain, but to be a lowly second leftenant again is more than any man can endure! Ben stood thoughtful for a moment, wondering what to say. He started to offer several different thoughts, but each sounded hollow, insincere to him. Nelson could spot insincerity a sea mile away, so he best take a different tack.

Lord Nelson sensed his uneasiness and offered, You haven't been in leftenant rank all that long, now lad. Believe me, there will be time to try your hand as captain soon enough. You must know from the letters that you have written for me that there are more heartaches that go with a captain’s commission than there is medicine to cure them. So, smile, lad. You're off to adventure with a most capable captain. Troubridge truly has need of one with your talents. I have sent a complete report of your exemplary service during Aboukir Bay to the Admiralty. That'll do you a world of good in future.

Thank you , sir. I'm sorry if I seemed to be disappointed. I know that I can learn a good bit from Captain Troubridge. He's a fine leader. Ben knew that Troubridge was a first class captain and could carry out orders to the letter. When it came to making decisions on the appropriate action to take, he tended to falter and to look to Nelson. Now that he and Nelson had their falling out, Troubridge would be under tremendous pressure to make decisions on his own. This may be a trying adventure, at best, he thought.

And don’t feel slighted. I'm having to let Tom Hardy go back to England without a ship and without hope of immediate service. Damn, but he's a good man and I'll miss you both dearly.

So Ben headed back to his ship and gathered up his gear. It seemed as if he changed ships almost as often as he changed his underwear. He was met at the tumble home by Tom Murphy, his longtime friend. Tom carried his duffel slung over his shoulder and sported his usual broad smile.

Thought you wuz goin’ ta leave me behind, did ya now, he said laughing.

Ben came to a halt. Nelson knew that he and Tom were good friends. Nelson must have decided to lighten the blow of his transfer to the Culloden by sending Tom along. That was like Lord Nelson. He always thought of the welfare of his men.

‘Welcome to adventure, lad. We’ll be off to the Culloden together, I wager," said Ben.

The two men were rowed to the Culloden by a pair of local women who were constantly teasing them. One remarked on the uniform that Ben was wearing, with a casual flip of her brown head.

E’ll never make admiral in that outfit, will ‘e now!

Ben became increasingly uneasy, squirming in his seat at the stern of the small boat. Tom looked at him and his face contorted into a teasing smile, his eyebrows raised high.

I fancy she takes a liking to ya, lad. Too bad we're out here in the middle of the bay with the whole British Navy a’watchin.’ At that he burst out with a huge laugh, slapping his knee and howling with laughter. One thing that Tom could never understand about his friend was his reluctance to chase women. Tom thought it grand sport to run a fine damsel to earth and have his way with her, but Ben was different. He was terribly shy around women and quite squeamish when it came to actually bedding them. On their forays ashore, Tom had tried repeatedly to get Ben with a wench, but to no avail. Ben always countered with the fact that these women around ports were most often diseased and he wanted none of that, no matter how pressing his personal needs might be. He would always taunt Tom with the fact that he had been called on by his friend to cure a bad case of the crabs, several times.

The older woman called up oars as handsomely as any coxswain. Ben came up the battens to be met by Captain Troubridge. He seemed drawn and the stern look on his handsome face told the tale that there was no smile left in him after his recent illness and the disgrace of being the only British captain to run his ship aground twice. His hair piled ever higher on his head, dashing back from his forehead and he looked at Ben with two keen brown eyes flanking a strong nose.

Ben saluted smartly, Second Leftenant Rundel reporting for duty, sir.

Tom followed and announced himself as Midshipman Murphy, sir.

The captain took Ben’s hand and shook it warmly. Welcome aboard, Leftenant Rundel. I have heard a good deal about you from Lord Nelson. You are most welcome aboard my ship. Then he turned to the first Leftenant. Leftenant Horsley, show Leftenant Rundel to his quarters and take Mr. Murphy to his quarters.

Soon after his arrival, Ben heard the familiar bosun’s whistle calling the sailor’s to duty with its shrill twin tones. Bare feet pounded on the deck as men ran to their posts. There was the usual creaking of blocks and the groaning of the capstan as the anchor was lifted dripping from the bottom of the bay. And again Ben found himself facing a new crew, but he recognized one face among them, one fellow who had terrorized him when he was a youngster on the Faithful. It was Ian Crutcher. Ben wondered if the lad, who was still a common seaman, had grown up and if he would resent having Ben as his superior officer. Knowing him, he would find it hard to live under one whom he had treated so cruelly years ago. It was his black nature to taunt and torment. Hatred was written on his contorted, pocked face. He bears watching.

They were weighing anchor for a place called St. Elmo’s Castle. Ben had no idea where that was or why they might be going there. That night at dinner, Captain Troubridge invited Ben and Bruce Horsley, the first leftenant, to dine with him. He explained that St. Elmo’s Castle was an impregnable castle that had never been conquered. He feared that they would be in for a long land siege and that it would take months to starve out the French who were holed up there.

What plan have you in mind, sir for the attack? asked Ben.

Well, we will have to see what the lay of the land is now, won’t we, Mr. Rundel, was the reply that he received. Lord Nelson would have pulled some books out of the bookshelf and laid them out to simulate the position of the ship and the castle and then described a brilliant plan of attack. But this was Captain Troubridge. Either he had no plan or he wasn't about to discuss it with a second leftenant. Ben would have to wait and see.

Tom slipped into his new duties easily, but Ben went back to cornering him on their dog watch. He wanted to keep the Lad focused on studying for the leftenant’s exam. There had been only one exam given since they entered the eastern Mediterranean and Ben knew there would soon be another. He spent hours developing challenging questions that Tom might be asked. Tom, on the other hand, felt comfortable blurting out the first answer that came into his head. Ben often left their study sessions frustrated and angry. His friend was trying, but it seemed that passing the exam wasn't all that important to him. He couldn't remain a midshipman for much longer. He was now 26 years old and soon the men would laugh at the aged midshipman. Ben had to get him motivated to study, but how?

Their minds were distracted from studies as the ship rounded a low headlands and came in sight of land. Ben was curious to see how the assault on a land castle might be handled. He had no experience with land attacks.

Two reefs in the head s’ls, Leftenant Rundel. Furl the main’s’ls. Prepare to loose anchor. Be ready at the wheel, Mr. Wharton. Look lively, there! Captain Troubridge was ever alert to hazards near land, especially after running aground off the point at Aboukir Bay. Ben was officer of the watch and he bellowed out the orders as the shrill bosun’s whistles died away.

I’ll see you and Leftenant Horsley in my cabin as soon as the ship is secured, Leftenant Rundel.

Fifteen minutes later Ben and Bruce Horsley entered the captain’s cabin.

"Be seated, gentlemen. As you know, we are to assault St. Elmo’s Castle. The captain cleared his throat and looked up nervously at the two men. You also know that Culloden is still leaking badly and will soon be sent home for a refit.

We'll move inland by the road to the east. Leftenant Horsley, you will commandeer some wagons and we'll rig lifts to lower two 12 pounders into the ship’s boats. We’ll need a good supply of powder and shot. Leftenant Rundel, I leave it to you to see to victualing and to picking a crew of perhaps 400 men. We’ll need all of the marines and armament and ammunition for all of them. We leave in two hours, at six bells. Any questions?

Ben nodded negative, but he did have one burning question. Why didn’t he give us our assignments several hours earlier so we could be better prepared? Ben knew what to do, but he liked time to plan, to anticipate the unexpected and be certain that all was in order. Now he would have to select and arm 400 sailors, find provisions for them, armament, ammunition and prepare transport for them all in two hours. He’d let sergeant Cosgrove order his own marines and find provisions for them, but it would take hours to do the job properly. Where would the men sleep? Should he take a cook’s mate, the surgeon or his mate? Yes. He must have two or three cook’s mates to prepare food for the men. The surgeon’s mates would do for a start. Should he plan to take canvas for tents in case it rained? It often rained in spring here in the Mediterranean. They would have to keep the spare powder dry. That settled it. He'd go armed with ample canvas and rope. He swung around just in time to see Mr. Weeks, the carpenter, pass by.

Mr. Weeks. If you please, I’ll have a tool chest prepared for use on land with tools to meet any possible emergency and enough to construct a small building, if needed. Have them ready by the boats in an hour. He was learning to delegate, but it didn't come naturally. His nature dictated that he should personally see to each detail. But captains do little but worry, plan and delegate. Best I should learn to instruct others now rather than later.

Aye sir.

Then he sought out the purser. He would need to approve the removal of supplies from the ship, captain’s orders. Mr. Congdon, I'll shortly give you a list of supplies needed on shore for the assault. I’ll also send a crew to handle the supplies. I'll need enough food and water for 400 men for a week.

Are you sure you don’t want me to slip in a few extra casks of beef so the young master can sell them ashore for a profit? he said with a wicked smile and a wink.

Ben whirled around on him and grabbed him by the coat collar. He noted how fine the material was as his strong hands seized it and held the little man close to him. Ben looked down into the man’s eyes, putting an ugly snarl on his face. He looked for so long that the little purser began to struggle and squirm.

Don’t you ever accuse me or any other officer of stealing beef without proof little man or I’ll see to it that you enjoy ill health for the rest of your life, personally, snarled Ben. He was angry. There was no call for such disrespect. As he stepped back and let loose of the cowering purser, he realized that this was the first and had better be the last time that he laid hands on a fellow officer. The consequences of opposing an officer were spelled out clearly in the Articles of War and he had no taste for any of that. But the man’s attitude at a time when many of these men might be headed off to their deaths in a matter of hours made Ben angry. Congdon never crossed him again and he didn't complain to the captain, as Ben feared he might.

Ben called to have all hands to midships by division.

Step down if I point at you, he said in a loud, commanding voice.

He went down the lines, looking at each man. He regretted that he hadn't been given more time to get to know these Lads. But by now, he could spot a good seaman by his stance, attitude and general build. He would leave the best seamen behind and take the lubbers and less valuable men with him. He summoned Tom to be in charge of the sailors and then raced off to get the list of supplies ready for the purser.

The deck was a whir of activity, men running this way and that, carrying sacks of bread, ship’s biscuits, pots, rolling barrels of water and spirits to the awaiting boats. Ben’s plan was to send the men ashore first, with guns and ammunition as well as swords should there be any hand to hand combat. Then, when they were in place, he would send in the supplies. That way, they would be able to defend the supplies should there be a surprise attack on the beach. Meantime, Leftenant Horsley could have the guns loaded onto wagons. There was a small village to starboard. Ben saw four stout country Lads headed to the village to commandeer wagons under Leftenant Horsley’s orders.

Captain Troubridge stood on the quarter deck watching all the activity. Ben was sure that he was sizing each one up as he went about his duties. Best I should be swift and efficient. The captain said that the villagers would be sympathetic and would welcome them if they could rout the French from the castle. But legend has it that no one has ever taken this castle, either by cannon or by storm. And we're taking only two twelve pounders, not enough to even make a dent in those walls, thought Ben.

By six bells, Ben stood ready to board the last boat ashore. His mind was in a whirl of frantic mental activity. Have I forgotten anything? Is there not something missing?

Suddenly as he stood looking at his shoes, he realized that he had forgotten his sword and pistols. He had sent every man off to fight properly armed, and he had inspected each one personally. But he had completely forgotten about himself. He had to have arms, a good coat for nighttime, which would still be quite cool, and other personal gear. The boat would have to wait. He whipped around and headed for his cabin, grabbing this and that and stuffing them into a duffel bag. He’d need a change of underwear. His pistols were a handsome pair that he had picked up in Naples, Italian made and lavishly decorated with silver. He was most proud of them. He could load them in the boat, but he knew that they were waiting for him.

By the time the bow ground into the sand of the beach, Ben had loaded both pistols. Tom had gone ahead in one of the earlier boats. This was the last supply boat to come ashore. Ben expected to hear gun fire any minute. Surely the French in the castle had been warned of their approach by now. Would they sally out for a surprise attack? He though not. They would be foolish to leave the safety of their snug, thick walled castle. The French could wait their chance to pick them off one by one from the castle turrets.

Ben looked ahead and saw the two wagons loaded with cannon and shot lumbering up the hill towards the castle. Two more wagons were loaded to the groaning point with food and water and the animals hooves dug deeply into the ground as they tried to pull the wagons forward. The drovers shouted at them and one hefty Lad wielded a stout whip, flicking it over their heads, never marring their fine hides. Captain Troubridge had come ashore with Tom’s boat and now trudged along with the rest of them beside the wagons. Just over the low hill Ben could see the tower of the castle. It was large and appeared to be extremely well sited. It would be hard to carry out a land assault and was too far from the sea to be hit easily by ship’s cannon. His eyes began to scan the horizon for a good place to set up camp. He favoured a spot just off the road which would give them easy access to the coast and still not preclude assaults on the castle. Would Captain Troubridge agree? Ben would never know. They passed the spot and cut further inland. When Captain Troubridge finally called a halt, he turned to Ben and said, I look to you, Leftenant Rundel, to find a good spot for the camp.

At that Ben hesitated for a second. Then he turned and pointed back down the way they had come. Sir, that rise of land would be a good place for our cannon. The hollow just beyond would be a safe place for the camp and we couldn't be cut off from retreat to the beach, should that be necessary.

Very well. Give the order to come about and we'll try that spot for size.

It was hours later when Ben had completed the erection of several large tents where the men could get out of the rain and where they could store their powder. But that was not enough. They needed a galley too. He ordered the last piece of canvas to be set up a good distance from the gun powder tent and had the men construct a small stove from local rocks.

With that done, he slumped down, exhausted. He muttered something to Groggy, the cook’s mate, about preparing a meal for the men. It was nearly dark and they had all laboured hard that day. Leftenant Horsley stayed with the ship, as first leftenant since the captain was ashore. Ben turned to Leftenant Bryson, the third leftenant, and ordered a round of rum for each man before it got dark. With that, he slumped off to sleep for two hours. It was damp and dark when Tom finally woke him to offer him some braised beef with bread. He kept the beef warm for him, letting him sleep as long as he could.

Ben sat up and accepted the food gratefully, thanking Tom for his thoughtfulness. As he finished, he realized that he needed to answer the call of nature. Then it hit him. He should have ordered