Ramage's Trial

Начало книги

Southwick walked slowly across the quarterdeck to where Ramage stood trying to find some shade from a small awning which, having done so much service in the Tropics, now comprised more patches than original cloth and in places was so threadbare from sun and wind that it provided only a little more shade than a piece of muslin.

"This current is stronger than I'd allowed for," the master said. "I'd be glad if you'd make up your mind in the next few hours, sir, because it might save us a hard beat against both wind and current ..."

Ramage nodded agreeably because in fact he had at last decided. The choice had been simple - they had sailed northwest along the South American coast from French Guiana, shepherding their two prizes captured off Devil's Island, and he had to decide whether to make for Barbados or Antigua.

Barbados, being further out in the Atlantic, a sentry box guarding the Windward and Leeward Islands running north and south like a fence dividing the Caribbean from the Atlantic, meant they had to turn a point or two to starboard and hope that the flagship of the admiral commanding "His Majesty's ships and vessels upon the Windward Island station" was anchored in Carlisle Bay.

Читать дальше →