Allison; Taking Control

Chapter 25

He thought momentarily about the dangers of tracking and subsequently facing a larger, more heavily armed ship – a topic which he and his officers had already touched upon when they conferred about their mission days ago. While taking and capturing a bigger vessel was not necessarily unheard of, the difficulties and disadvantages were glaringly obvious and, as they had all agreed, could not be overcome by any number of special gifts from the Admiralty. Still, Allison could hardly refuse the mission with which he was being presented. Besides, he was not alone in the Caribbean and other British ships could no doubt be employed in the hunt once some reconnaissance was done.

“I shall do my duty and, indeed, all I possibly can to pursue this man, Mr. Peele...”

The councilor interrupted him by holding up a hand.

“There is more, sir,” he interjected. Allison accordingly sat back and resumed listening to Peele’s story.

“About a year ago, a seat opened on the Governor’s Council. The new appo