STO'B 5-7: Captain Fitton

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GLOSSARY

 After supper he returned to the deck.  The bells rang out, the men at the wheel and the lookouts changed, occasionally a sail appeared, typically turning tail and running, without learning if the Badger was friend or foe.  The wind backed and Philip orderd a mild change of course.

At four bells the first dog watch ended: the larbolines came off duty and the starbolines, who had been amusing themselves with singing and telling tales under the foc’cle, came on duty.  The sail maker and his mates packed up their work.  Midshipman Wilkins, who had asked for the opportunity and been recommended by Mr South, came on as officer of the watch; “here you have her,” said the gunner, “course east-southeast a half east till Sardinia’s in sight, then southeast, all possible speed; engine is six knots; forecourse, topsails and driver; Captain to be notified of any change of weather or sail; and orders are in the binnacle.”

Mister Midshipman Wilkins’s reply was almost verbatim, and he took up his position behind and to windward of the helm, remembering only occasionally to look stern and sober.

Philip lingered on deck for a few minutes, then, reflecting that his continuing presence undercut Mister Wilkins’ authority, he returned to his cabin.

He was back on deck for eight bells and the end of the second dog.  “Here you have her,” said Mister Midshipman Wilkins to the master, “course est-southeast a half east till Sardinia in sight, then southeast.  All possible speed.  Engine speed is six knots, sails: forecourse, both topsails, and driver.  Captain is to be notified of any sail or change in the wind - or weather.”

“Written orders?” murmured the master.

“Yes, written orders are in the binnacle.”

The master made his reply and assumed command.  Both watches snugged down the brig for the night, double checking her ropes in the long shadows, stripping off the canvas covers to get their hammocks down from the bulwarks, stowing the mess tables that were still out; then the starboard watch retreated below for four-hours’ sleep (less, actually), and at one bell the bosun’s whistle blew for lights out.  Philip retired to his cabin for a few hours’ sleep of his own.  Around him Badger continued to work, steaming under a plume of smoke now over 150 miles long.

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