“I would certainly agree with your assessment of his overall ability, William,” Allison concurred. “In the short period of time I spent with the man, I believe he actually managed to teach me something as well. He mentioned that in the capacity in which we now serve, we would have to take actions that were unorthodox and irregular – a notion that was echoed by Lord Haig. If your foray to the Pink Conch is any indication, he was quite correct.”The two shared a laugh.“I only wish we could have seen your performance, Mr. Weyland,” Allison continued. “Anyone who has the ability to just walk into Louisbourg and collect intelligence must have been able to put on a fine show in a simple English tavern.”“I was quite glad that I didn’t have to speak French in this case,” Weyland explained, “and I believe my Cockney was quite good, if I can pay myself a compliment.”“Well, all I know is that we owe a great deal of what we now know to your talents, William. It was a job well done. Now we ha

Allison was unsure exactly how to feel at that moment. From his conversations with Peele, he understood that the Dutch and the Spanish habitually carried French trade, given that the Royal Navy’s control of the seas made it almost a necessity for their colonies in the region. However, he also knew full well that British privateers, in their insatiable lust for profit, had preyed upon the shipping of neutral countries even if they weren’t necessarily suspected of carrying French goods. Such activity was worrisome given that it served to create potential enemies of nations that would otherwise be uninvolved in the current conflict. Still, as the Royal Navy’s power only increased, a good many persons in positions of power seemed more than willing to overlook these incidents since they felt that no one on earth could truly challenge Britain’s mastery of the seas. That opinion wasn’t necessarily shared by all, however, including Admiral Haig if his last set of orders were any indication.

“Attacks by British privateers on Dutch ships have happened in the past,” he began after a few moments. “As you said, it’s generally known that they carry trade goods for the benefit of the French colonies in this part of the world. Even if the Empire isn’t at war with the Dutch, there’s a definite logic to such an occurrence.”“Quite so,” Allison agreed, “but it heightens our chances of pushing another nation toward allying with our enemies.”“Indeed it does, sir, however it’s a common belief that the Royal Navy can withstand and overcome any challenge on the seas of the world.”“You don’t find such a thought to be a product of overconfidence?”“I suppose it’s only so if we ultimately fail, sir, but a victorious outcome would surely be in greater doubt if we acquire more enemies. Much depends on the temperament of the Dutch. The Spanish have suffered even more from attacks by British privateers on their commerce, and yet they remain neutral,” James said.“True,” Allison replied, “

“Ah,” he said after his deep guffaw, “you must please excuse our gunners at the fort. They are still quite – how would you Englishmen say it? Ah, yes, they are still quite green and inexperienced. Fortunately, that means they are also still somewhat... inaccurate as well.” A tight-lipped smirk crossed his face after that statement.“Oh, I see,” Allison said, smiling ingenuously and not believing a word. Those shots were well-placed and meant to accomplish precisely what they had. “Patriotic fervor can test the restraint of anyone who seeks to protect their country’s interests, I suppose.”“Yes, quite true, Lieutenant Allison . Oh, and if I may ask, just what is this act of kindness you mentioned?” De Bruyne asked.Allison held out a hand to indicate where the Doctor had just led a still tired and hollow-eyed but sufficiently ambulatory Gespers up the ladder to the deck. De Bruyne’s glance at the man didn’t indicate any form of initial recognition.“This is Mr. Gespers, sir. A sailor

Later, as Philadelphia made her way closer, he was even further gratified to learn that Suggs and the Mollusk had managed to travel the final leg of their journey without mishap. He could see the little cutter sitting at anchor amongst other ships in the harbor a few miles ahead with jack and ensign flying. After exchanging salutes with Fort James on the northern headland, Philadelphia carefully maneuvered past the nearby shallows and obstructions, once again thanks to the Admiralty’s charts, and found an anchorage of her own near her sister ship. It wasn’t long after that when Samuel Hardin began to excitedly announce that Mollusk was signaling.“It’s a signal from Mollusk, sir!” the boy shouted out. “Two pennants, red over black!”“Which means?” Allison asked him expectantly, already knowing the meaning himself but insisting upon a proper report from the young gentleman.The boy hurriedly grabbed for the list and quickly looked it up and down. It was a few seconds before he found w