Read Online The Continental Risque by James Nelson - Free Book Online Page A

that was a minor flaw compared to, say, cowardice or dishonesty or infidelity, but still Totttenhill had raised this annoying trait to something like an art. It was most difficult to be around the man for long, and that was why he was rarely asked to ship out a second time on a vessel aboard which he had served. Hewes had neglected to mention that to the committtee as a whole.
    The congressman made his way across the still-crowded tavern to his cousin’s husband’s table.
    â€˜Roger, I apologize for the delay,’ he said, shaking his head at the publican’s inquiring glance.
    â€˜Joseph, not at all, not at all!’ Tottenhill smiled his broad, genuine smile. ‘Please, be seated. I know how these politicians can go on.’ Tottenhill stood and pulled the chair out for Hewes, waving to the publican for two fresh drinks. ‘Joseph, this is—’
    â€˜Thomas Page,’ said the bored man at the table, who looked entirely relieved to have the flow of Tottenhill’s conversation interrupted.
    â€˜I was just telling Thomas here about the privateering in the last war. I recall once in France … no, wait … was it Spain? In any event …’
    At that the grateful Thomas Page stood. ‘Forgive me, sir, but the hour is late and I must be off. Good evening.’
    â€˜Good evening. A pleasure,’ Tottenhill said, but Page was already halfway to the door.
    â€˜Things went very well, you’ll be pleased to hear,’ Hewes began, not allowing Tottenhill to start up again. The publican set the unwanted drink on the table in front of him. ‘Better than I had hoped. As it happens, Adams just this evening brought us the news that another vessel is available for the service, the brig
Charlemagne
. You’re to be posted as first officer. Her captain and crew are Yankees, but there’s little you can do to avoid that, they’re all Yankees.
    â€˜The best thing is that the
Charlemagne
is man-of-war built, she’s not a converted merchantman, and that gives her the chance to be the best ship in this fledgling navy. She’s a good vessel for you to serve aboard.’
    â€˜Excellent. This is marvelous, as much as I dared hope for. First officer! In fact, it puts me in mind—’
    â€˜It’s the least you deserve, I should think,’ Hewes cut him off again. ‘In all fairness you’ve sailed as first mate for three years now, and if this war had not come about, you’d be a ship’s master soon. Not to mention the fact that you’ve recruited a good number of seamen, which the
Charlemagne
desperately needs.’
    â€˜They’re good men, good Southern boys, and they’re ready to fight. Perhaps you know my agent, Jedadiah Huck?’
    â€˜I do not.’
    â€˜Jedadiah Huck of the Wilmington Hucks? He’s a good man, fanatical about the cause for independency. He’s recruiting the best seamen he can find. The last of them should be here by next week, latest. You know, in my experience the southern man always makes the best sailor because—’
    â€˜There’s talk of expanding the navy. We spent most of tonight discussing a plan to build a fleet of frigates. They’ll be fine ships, fast and powerful, and command will go to those who distinguish themselves. I hope that such an opportunity will present itself to you.’
    â€˜As do I, Joseph. But in my experience one can make luck, if you see what I mean. I don’t intend to sit on my haunches and hope that such opportunity will come my way.’
    â€˜As well you should not. Good. I’m pleased with your attitude. But … there’s one other thing …’
    â€˜Yes?’
    Hewes paused, staring down at the filthy tabletop, searching, as was his habit, for the right words. ‘There is some concern,’ he began in a hesitating voice, ‘some concern among the Southern colonies that this navy is increasingly becoming a