Young Dick, Page 2

CHAPTER ONE

  “It is official then,” said a fair-haired burly man with a florid complexion. He looked around the private room of an exclusive London club at his five companions. All of them were well off and this was reflected in their expensive clothes tailored in the latest fashion. All of them had business interests, were well connected – and all of them wished to remain anonymous.

  “Our new young king has issued a proclamation; it is plain he wishes to be regarded as a patron of the sciences. A naval ship will sail to the mid Pacific to observe the transit of Venus despite the Treasury being depleted by a war lasting seven years,” said one.

  “How is the Navy responding to this; is it with alacrity or dogged resistance?” asked another.

  “With much haste I believe, given the prospect of many officers facing a life on shore and on half pay,” said a third.

  “My source within the Admiralty indicates they have begun a search for a suitable vessel outside the Navy; something robust but easily handled,” said the fifth man. There was a long silence.

  “If we go ahead with our venture, do we have a ship, keeping in mind we will have to sail at least six months before the Navy?” asked someone.

  “We have a ship,” said the fair-haired man, consulting several documents. “The ex French frigate Subtile built by Jacques Poirier at Le Havre in 1740, 20 six pounder guns and captured by the Royal Navy in 1746. She suffered moderate to heavy hull damage but no damage to masts and rigging. The Navy will not repair it given the war is over and she can be secured for far less than replacement costs, even allowing for the hull repairs and shipyards are crying out for work.”

  “Will the price include her ordnance?”

  “Her ordnance has been removed apart from the bow chaser and swivel guns, but four of her six pounders can be obtained for a private cash offer,” said the fair-haired man, smiling.

  “The less said about that the better,” said one of the group, “but will four cannon be sufficient?”

  “It will have to be sufficient, we can’t afford to have gun crews holystoning decks for months on end waiting for an engagement that may never take place; no we must rely on the boat’s speed and maneuverability I assure you,” replied the fair-haired man.

  “The French have always launched superior ships; it is a pity the Lords at the Admiralty cannot come to terms with that fact,” said one. Another long silence followed.

  “We are agreed then?” asked the fair-haired man.

  “We are agreed,” replied the others.