Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:38:39 +1300
From: arthur carkeek <artcart65@gmail.com>
Subject: drummer boy chp 6 bk 2

DRUMMER BOY
CHAPTER 6
BOOK 2
THE ROAD NORTH
BY ARTHUR

CONTACT AUTHOR:
artcart65@gmail.com


Snot settled into the saddle of the large horse selected for him by Colonel
Colosio. He had been instructed to keep the horse at a gentle canter as it
would not only cover the ground more efficiently but would not tire the
horse as quickly as a gallop would have. As he rode Snot thought back to
all he had learned since joining the army of Mister Marking; the young man
was his idol and he would have done anything for him and now, he was given
an important job to do all on his own. Snot was determined that nothing
would stop him from carrying out his orders.

Snot stopped only for a few hours during the night; it would give the horse
time to rest for what Snot hoped would be a last push for Lisbon. So far
Snot had not had any trouble and he wanted to keep it that way. For the
third time that night Snot checked his weapons as he ate the small meal he
had set aside before leaving the valley; it would be the last he got until
arriving at Lisbon.

Snot thought back to what he had learned so far with this strange army;
there were so many things he had not known until joining up with Mister
Marking and now he was able to ride horses, shoot like any good soldier and
was also trying to learn something about helping the wounded from Mister
Jervis; all in all he felt good about himself and even his older brother
Craven often said good things to him.

Snot's duty in the kitchens was not as onerous as some would have found it;
with his duties for his father at the tavern, the organising of the camp
kitchen had almost been second nature and he liked the idea of making
others work to a set time and standard.

It was not long after midnight when Snot remounted for the last run to
Lisbon; the valuable papers from Mister Marking were tucked away safely in
a leather pouch that was tucked firmly under his shirt and jacket where
they would be safe and out of sight.

Snot finally stopped at a small tavern just a few miles from Lisbon as the
first rays of the sun showed over the eastern hills; he had decided to get
a solid breakfast before making his way to the docks to find a ship; he did
not want to waste time in the city and his tired body could rest once he
was at sea and on the way to England.

Snot rode through the large city in search of the docks; all it took was
for him to keep the smell of the salt air in his nostrils and then follow
his nose. As he rode through the city streets he looked neither right nor
left; what was going on in the early morning streets meant little to him as
he had much more important things to think on.

Snot rode through a wide cobblestone avenue and saw for the first time the
high masts of ship above the roof tops ahead of him; he had found the
direction of the docks and now only had to work his way there through the
building mass of people that were coming from their homes to work another
day.

Ten minutes later and Snot had worked his way through the remaining streets
and narrow lanes to the edge of the docklands. Ahead of him he saw the
massed masts of many ships both at the wharf and anchored out in the
stream. Snot yawned widely as he saw what could be the end of this part of
his journey; his body was tired but he was not ready to rest yet.

Snot had no intentions at this stage to have the horse billeted until he
had found a ship for his purpose, to this end he rode right onto the busy
wharf to look for a ship. Snot did notice that as he had always thought,
the dock workers were mostly Portuguese although they were working under
the ever watchful eyes of English soldiers.

The soldiers were mostly standing at the bottom of the gangplanks as though
to guard the ships but they also never missed an opportunity to offer some
snide remarks about the workers. Tied at the wharf were four English war
ships; three looked to be frigates and the one further along the wharf was
a three decked Man-O-War and its decks and the docks were swarming with men
loading supplies.

Snot did notice that; as he rode past the Portuguese dockworkers most
stopped working and looked at him before bowing as though they knew him. It
took a few minutes before Snot realised what the men were doing. The
workers did not know Snot but they did recognise his black uniform and the
red and gold sash. To the dockworkers the youngster riding along the wharf
on such a magnificent horse could only be one of the Patron El Toro's young
men and so they showed the proper respect for one of the men that had
helped to save their country from the French.

As Snot rode past the last of the four ships and towards a smaller
merchantman that was tied up at the very end of the wharf space as though
he did not have a care in the world; his peace was broken by a rough
sounding voice from behind him.

The Marine standing guard on the gangplank of the Man-O-War watched the
young foreign boy riding along the dock as though he owned the place; it
did not make him happy even though he had to admit to himself that the
horse the youngster was riding was a fine piece of horse flesh but it was
the apparent arrogance of the rider that got him all upset and he was not
going to allow a bloody foreigner to show up the Royal Navy.

Snot had just passed the gangplank of the Man-O-War so he presumed it was
one of the guards but he did not like the tone of the soldier's voice.

"Oi you; foreign boy; what you doing here on yer horse. This here is
Admiralty docks so get off afore I come teach you some bloody manners."

Snot signalled the horse to stop by the use of his boot toes; he had been
well taught about not having to use the leather reins when giving his mount
instructions. Snot was about to turn around and give the man a few choice
curse words when a faint smile drifted across his face. Snot was young and
not above having a little fun if he could get away with it and, as far as
he could tell a good laugh might ease his tiredness.

Snot nudged the horse with his right boot toe and waited as it bent its
front leg so that Snot could easily step out of the saddle and onto the
cobblestones of the dock; the horse then stood again which made it look as
though it towered over the smaller figure.

Snot turned back to the horse and gently rubbed its nose as he pretended to
ignore the now approaching Marine. The sound of the heavy boots stopped
just behind Snot and a rough finger jabbed him in the shoulder from behind;
Snot pretended to be hurt as he spun around and eyed up the larger Marine
who was now holding his long musket at the ready.

"You hear me boy? I said you're not allowed on the docks. You understand me
boy?" Hey you speak English boy?"

Snot looked the Marine up and down; he noticed the man was wearing Corporal
bars. As he looked up at the man he decided the chance was too good to
pass; with a faint light in his eye he answered the Marine in Spanish which
included more curse words than his father would ever have allowed him to
speak. When Snot had finished his discourse on the Marine's heritage and
lack of a human mother; Snot stopped and smiled at the Marine as he saw the
look of incomprehension on the man's face.

Snot waited patiently as though he was talking to a young child; he did not
have long to wait before the Marine started speaking, but not in a friendly
way.

"May God bloody save me from foreigners; what's with this damn
country. Don't none of your lot speak the King's English?"

From off to one side, one of the dockworkers stepped forward and smiled at
the Marine; he had heard the young rider speak and decided to help the
Marine although he quite easily picked up on the strange accent the
youngster had; he also picked up on the glint in the boy's eye. Stepping
forward he asked the Marine Corporal.

"Excuse me Senor Corporal but I think the boy does not speak English;
perhaps I can help you with his language?"

"Well as long as you tell the little scouse he can't ride that bloody horse
around here." The Marine stayed close by as the dockworker turned to Snot
and began to speak to him in Spanish.

"Are you one of the Patron's men?"

"Yes Senor, I am Second Lieutenant Morgan and am on a special mission for
the Patron. I have to find a ship going back to England very quickly."

"Ah then my young friend you have just found the right man. Tell me, why
are you not using your own language with this oaf of a soldier?"

"I thought it would be great fun to play a game with him."

"Ah yes my new friend, it is a good idea. Now then what should I tell him
so we can make his day worse for him?"

"Tell him that I am an Officer and I know he is just a low Corporal so he
had better show me some respect and that he is now on our land and does not
tell us where we can ride our horses. That should upset him a little."

"Yes my young friend, you are certainly one of the Patron's men. I shall
pass on your words and we shall see what he does."

While the dockworker turned back to speak with the Marine, Snot turned back
to the horse and once again began to rub its nose gently with his left
hand; his right hand was busy undoing the buttons of his jacket. Snot had a
funny feeling things were going to turn for the worse once the Marine had
been told Snot was actually an Officer; he was not surprised when a heavy
hand caught him by the shoulder and tried to spin him around.

"You tell this here boy that I don't give a tinkers damn who he thinks he
is; around here he aint nothing but a bloody foreigner and he can take that
bloody horse off the Admiralty's docks."

It was time for Snot to do his own talking. As the heavy hand spun him
around, Snot reached into his jacket. The Marine soon had a look of utter
shock on his face as he looked down into a pair of pistol barrels and the
sound of one of them being cocked was enough to make the Marine pull his
hand back very quickly. It was time for Snot to end the long exchange; he
had other things of more importance to do.

"Corporal I am Second Lieutenant Morgan of the 1st Regiment of Spanish
Guerrillas and you have just laid hands on me which by all the rules of any
military means I could have you hung or I could pull the trigger on my
pistol and put a damn hole in you. Now where is your Officer?"

For the Marine Corporal it was bad enough that he had two barrels aimed
right at his head but the sound of the young boy's voice speaking English
was even more surprising. The Marine gulped as he realised the boy was more
than he at first thought and now he was being reminded that he had laid
hands on an Officer. To a Courts Martial it would make no difference if the
Officer was foreign or not.

"Sir, my Officer is on board ship Sir."

"Well Corporal then I think that this time your luck is in. If I hear of
you abusing others as you have toady I can assure you that next time I will
pull the bloody trigger. Now Corporal it would be better for you to return
to your duties before I change my mind."

The Marine snapped to attention and lifted his musket to the salute before
turning about and marching smartly back to his place at the bottom of the
gangway. Snot smiled widely as he looked at the dockworker while replacing
his pistol under his jacket. Reverting to Spanish, Snot said.

"Thank you Senor for your help; it will not be forgotten. Perhaps you can
help me one more time?"

"Just ask Lieutenant and it shall be done. There is much owed to the Patron
El Toro and we are all at his service should we be needed."

"Thank you again Senor. Firstly who am I speaking to?"

"I am Hernandez Diaz of Madrid Senor Lieutenant. I came to Lisbon to work
when the French took my city. I could not stay under their yolk and so came
here until they are sent back to France."

"Very well Senor Diaz, thank you once again, I will let the Patron know of
your help to me. Now then I am in need of a ship that is going to England
and in a hurry. My mission for the Patron is urgent. Do you know of one
that can take me so I don't have to wait for weeks?"

"Indeed Lieutenant that Merchantman at the far end of the docks is waiting
for the tide. I believe the captain is in a tavern around the corner and is
not a happy man, I am sure he would find a place for you."

"Why would he not be happy Senor Diaz?"

"It would seem the English Navy does not allow him to find a cargo while at
their dock although these docks do not belong to them; he is most angry
because he will have to sail his ship back to England without a cargo to
help pay for the travel."

"Thank you Senor Diaz, I will go and look for him. The tavern just around
the corner at the end of the docks you said?"

"Yes Senor Lieutenant, he has spent many days there so he should not be
hard to find."

"Thank you once again Senor Diaz, I hope we will meet again one day so I
can repay your kindness."

"It is nothing Senor Lieutenant; we all do it for the Patron."

Snot nodded as he turned back to his horse, a light tug on the reins and
the horse knelt down for Snot to climb into the saddle and then quickly
stood back up as Snot lightly shook the reins for it to move at walking
pace to the far end of the docks. Snot was now feeling the need for some
sleep but his determination would not allow him to stop. If he found
passage on a ship then he could rest while they sailed for England but not
before.

As he rode past the Merchantman he looked it over. The general hull seemed
sound although the rigging and some of the woodwork looked a little worn as
though it had been some time since coin had been spent on its repairs. Snot
rode past and looked for the corner at the end of the dock so he could find
the tavern he wanted.

The ship was not fancy but he was sure it would be seaworthy enough for him
to make it to England if he could convince the Captain to take him. Snot
had also decided he would take his horse with him rather than leave it here
in Lisbon in the hands of strangers. The ship's Captain would just have to
find enough feed for the horse as part of the deal.

Snot turned the corner and saw the tavern he was looking for only a few
more steps along the lane; drawing the horse to a stop, he dismounted and
tied the reins to a ring post and prepared to enter. By the raucous noise
coming from inside the tavern it was almost as though he was coming home to
the Kings Gate. Snot straightened his jacket; made sure his pistol was free
in its place under his left arm and opened the door.

It was as though a gun had been fired as he stepped through the tavern
door; there was an immediate silence in the barroom as he walked in and
looked around the dim room for the man who looked like a Captain; he was
not hard to find.

As Snot began to make his way to the back of the barroom the half drunk
sailors looked him up and down like savage animals watching their next meal
but they all stayed seated as he walked past without showing any fear; the
fact he was wearing some sort of uniform also helped to keep the sailors in
their seats.

When he got to the table at the back of the barroom, Snot looked to the
burly man he guessed was the Captain of the Merchantman. With little
preamble Snot looked directly at the man and said.

"Captain, I am Second Lieutenant Morgan and I am looking for a fast passage
to England. I have been told that you and your ship are waiting for the
tide tonight so I would like to take passage with you."

The burly man looked Snot up and down; it was obvious he had his doubts
about such a young man having the needed coin to pay for a passage all the
way back to England. As the Captain had not been able to find a cargo to
pay the ships way he would have to charge a hefty sum just for one
passenger. The Captain took a deep breath which puffed his huge chest out
to its limits, took a large sip from the tankard on the table and then
spoke to Snot in a very rough voice; one that had seen many storms and had
yelled orders into the roaring winds and rough seas.

"Well would you now me lad, and what makes you think you have coin enough
for such a passage?"

"I have orders to make for England at all haste and enough coin for that
purpose; there is also the need for you to transport my horse as well."

"Is that so Lad, well I can tell you that I am the only one that gives
orders as to where and when my ship will go; what makes you think I will do
as you ask and not just take you asea and drop your body over the side for
Davey Jones?"

Snot realised the whole bar in the tavern had fallen silent as the two
exchanged words; carefully he reached under his shirt and brought out the
large leather wallet that contained the papers, selecting the one he wanted
he laid in on the table so the Captain could plainly see it for
himself. One glance by the Captain and his whole attitude altered to one of
friendliness.

The paper lying on the table was simple and plain for all those in the
know. The paper was a plain white page with the black outline of the hand
and at its centre was the simple number 13. No more words needed to be said
as the Captain called loudly for the tavern owner to bring food and drink
for the young lad standing before him.

"Come and sit with us Lad and tell me what you need; if the Council is
behind your needs then there is a place for you on my ship. I have no cargo
so we will be travelling light and it would appear there is little profit
in this trip but then we have our duties."

"Thank you Captain I do need a rest and the food will be welcome. All I
need is to get to England as soon as possible along with my horse. I have
some coin with me but if it is not enough then I can come by more once
there."

"I see lad, well if it were not for the Council I would have to charge you
a King's ransom as I have no cargo but then the Council would probably make
things difficult for me in the long run. The ship is in need of work but
she is sound although a little slow due to not being careened in some
time. It mayhap take us six or seven days to make London Town if that be
fast enough for you?"

"What if I could find a cargo for you Captain; would that be of help?"

"You lad? You have knowledge of a cargo?"

"If you were to sail via Oporto I am sure I could find you a cargo of good
value even though it may take an extra day or two. I am sure the Council
would not want any man to be short changed for his work."

"Well lad if you can do that then I see no reason for us to sit around here
all night; you sit and sup your drink and finish your food, I'll send the
Mate to ready the ship for sea. The tide is in two hours and we can be away
from those blasted Admiralty docks in no time."

"I'll need a bag of oats for my horse if you can manage that Captain?"

"Don't you worry none lad, the Mate will see to it afore we sail, now then
what are we to do when in London; it's not been a good place for me to find
cargo what with all the big companies holding credit with the War Office to
supply the army here."

"If you can trust me Captain I will do what I can once in London, I happen
to know a man who may be able to help you with cargo."

"Then you have my thanks Lieutenant, being as I work my ship without
contract it is difficult in these times to find a cargo so the men can be
paid so any assistance you can offer will be greatly received."

"I will do my best Captain."

"Larkin Lieutenant, Captain Larkin; owner and Captain of the Beatrice
Graves."

"Thank you Captain Larkin, I'll just finish up here and we can get my horse
aboard and set sail for Oporto."

"You take your time Lieutenant, the tide is not for another two hours and
we have time for you to rest a little afore we set sail.'

Snot nodded as he turned back to finishing the meal. It was only a half
hour later and he was watching as the men carefully walked the horse up the
gangplank and onto the deck where they had hastily built a small section
for the horse to be settled in. Snot was surprised the horse did not make a
fuss just as long as Snot was close by; it turned out to be fortunate that
the whole trip was in fair weather and the stop in Oporto was just long
enough for Snot to take the horse for a ride before going back aboard for
the final leg to England.

In Oporto Snot used his limited knowledge of his Generals reputation to
secure a good cargo for England; dropping the General's name among the dock
workers proved to be advantageous when he went in search of the cargo for
Captain Larkin. The cargo did not completely fill the large hold but the
Captain would certainly make a profit from the trip; with luck Snot hoped
his Father would be able to assist the helpful Captain once they arrived in
London.

The trip took almost two weeks as a full eight days was spent in Oporto
loading the cargo but Snot was not put out about it, the need for the
Captain to pay his men had to have consideration if Snot was to need the
man again in the future. He had learnt his lessons well from his Father and
Grandfather about treating the men of the sea with respect; one never knew
when they would be in urgent need of a good ship and crew.

On arrival off the coast of England and with the mouth of the Thames in
sight, Snot gave directions to the Captain for his Fathers dock; they would
tie up there and unload their cargo while Snot went about his own business.

As the ship came abreast of his Fathers dock, Snot saw a large three masted
schooner tied up and loading cargo; he asked the captain to drop anchor
abreast of the dock and hoist the pennant to ask for a docking pilot. It
was just at the top of the tide and so was easy to drop anchor in exactly
the right place before the tide began to ebb which would have made it more
difficult.

Snot watched as a few minutes later a small dory with two men at the oars
and one sitting in the stern began to make its way towards them; Snot
smiled as he recognised one of the Smithy's at the stern and he chuckled to
himself as he thought of the man's face when he saw Snot all grown up and
dressed in the black uniform; he was not the same small boy that had left
so long ago.

The dory tied up alongside the ship and Smithy began the climb up the rope
ladder and onto the deck where the Captain and Snot were waiting for
him. At first Smithy did not recognise the young man in the black uniform
but, once he did his face split with a wide smile as he first nodded to the
Captain and then turned on Snot.

"Well bless me soul if it aint young Snot; what you doing all dressed fancy
like a little ponce in that there uniform? My your Da is going to be right
surprised when you walks ashore all grown up. Now what you be doing here
then lad?"

"Hello Smithy, I got some business with me Da and this here Captain Larkin
was right kind to bring me all the way from Portugal. He needs docking and
unloading then I'm hoping me Da can find him a good cargo. Captain Larkin
did not charge me a fare to bring me so we owe him something in return."

"Not to worry lad we will do what's right, you knows your Da. Now then do
you want to come ashore in the dory with me; I knows your Da will be right
proud to see you?"

"I have my horse on board, when can Captain Larkin dock to unload?"

"See yonder ship, well she will be out on the morning's tide; if the good
Captain can wait until then he can have first place right after; the tide
be about seven of the clock in the morning, will your horse be alright
until then?"

"Yes Smithy, he's done well on the trip and will not mind the wait but I
will come ashore with you now, I have urgent business with me Da."

"Right then lad, Captain Larkin I will be back aboard in time to dock you
in the morning if it's your pleasure?"

"Thank you Pilot, the morning tide will do us just fine; I have other
duties for the crew until then."

"Then thank you captain and I will have the dory alongside before seven of
the clock and take you in. Come along young Snot, time for you to see your
Da after such a long time; I bet you have stories aplenty to tell and your
Granddad will want you to have time for him as well; you know you is his
favourite."

Snot smiled as he then followed Smithy to the ladder and clambered down
into the waiting dory for the short pull back to the dock, even with the
ebbing tide running they still made good time and Snot soon had his feet
back on English soil and was walking towards the not too distant Kings Gate
Tavern.

As Snot walked towards the familiar door of the tavern he did notice that
he was getting some strange looks from the many men and boys that hung
around the area. Snot smiled to himself and no longer felt any threat as he
once had when confronted by the rough looking people that lived and worked
on the docks. Snot's sense of self worth had grown immensely since his time
at war; he felt that if he could face French muskets then he could face
anything.

Snot ignored the looks and opened the door into the Kings Gate tavern, the
familiar smells and noises of the building almost brought a tear to his
eyes as he once again took in the long bar and the few customers now
sitting for dinner at the small tables; the rest of the barroom was full of
drinkers as the dockworkers changed their shifts and looked to a few mugs
of ale before heading back to their homes.

There were a few tables of sailors but none of them took notice of the well
dressed young man in black; all that is except for one old man partially
hidden at the back of the room. Snot was not surprised when a voice called
him above the noise of the drinkers.

"Come here boy and let me old eyes get a fill of ye afore you go looking
for your Da."

Snot smiled widely as he turned to his Grandfather seated at his special
table; with a homecoming tear he almost ran to the older Morgan and sat
beside him in the small alcove; with a small sniffle he grasped the old
Captain around the shoulders and felt the hard hands of the older man pat
him on the back.

"Well now boy you do look all grown up. How is your war going, is it what
you thought it would be?"

"Much worse Gramps, much worse but now I know I am doing the right
thing. Mister Thomas has been good to me and all the others; it's easy to
see why they want to follow him."

"Aye lad, the boy has a way with him. Now tell me why you just popped up
like this?"

"Mister Marking gave me an important task to bring a message to me Da."

"Is ye all alone then?"

"Yes Gramps, Mister Marking was getting ready to attack the French once
again but wanted me Da to know things so here I am."

"Well you keep doing it honest like youngun and you will do well. What's
this here uniform you is wearing?"

"It's our uniform for the Regiment; Mister Marking has made me a Second
Lieutenant so I got duties to perform now."

"It's certainly a strange uniform but I suppose if it works for you then
it's all good even though it's a bit funny looking when you see our
redcoats all lined up and marching. Do you have to march a lot over there?"

"Aye Gramps but we march all different to the soldiers. Mister Marking has
his own way and we can march more than twice the distance in half the time
of others and we got lots of horses to. Mister Marking even gave me one to
ride all the way here, I'll have him off the ship tomorrow so you can look
at him. Right nice Horse he is and real smart; better than the old nags we
got around London Town."

"Is that so youngun, well I got to see this here horse if he's so special,
now I think it's time you went to see your Da; I can almost hear his feet a
tapping on the floor above."

"Ok Gramps, I'll come back later and see you to tell you more."

"You do that Snot, you know you be a right good boy so we is all expecting
good things from you in time. Have you seen much of your brother; I hear
tell he was a big Officer now?"

"Yes Gramps, he is in charge of all of Mister Marking's guns and is now a
Major and I look after all the kitchens and supplies for the men but we
still have to train like the others and be ready to fight when we have
to. It's sort of exciting and frightening at the same time but Mister
Marking watches over all of us all the time."

"That's good lad, now off you go and see your Da, I'll be here as you know
so there's no hurry to get back. You do your duty first then we can talk
more later."

Snot stood up from the table after giving his Grandfather one more hug and
then wove his way through the bar to the stairs leading up to his Fathers
rooms. As Snot was about to place his foot on the first step a large hand
grasped him by the shoulder and began to spin him around. Snot reacted far
faster than he ever thought he could as his right hand delved into his
jacket and grasped the pistol with the intent on drawing it for defence.

As he spun around to face the man who had accosted him, Snot saw the large
barrel chest, the tattooed face and twinkling dark eyes of George. Snot
relaxed immediately and then threw his arms around the waist of the large
tavern owner as he mumbled into the big man's chest.

"Jesus George you half scared the devil out of me."

Snot took a step back and watched as George used his hand language to speak
to Snot.

"Where you been little brother, you did not come to see me first."

"Sorry George I didn't see you when I came in and then I was with gramps
for a while. I need to see my Da kind of urgent like but I will come back
and we can talk like other times. Have you been well?'

"I am always well little brother, you go see your Da then come back here
for your dinner and we can talk more about your great adventure to those
foreign parts."

"Thank you George, I'll be back just as soon as business is done."

George smiled and gave Snot a hefty pat on the shoulder as he turned back
to watch over his bar; Snot began the climb up the stairs to finish his
business. As he walked into the very familiar room that was his Fathers
office and living space, Snot saw the other Smithy sitting on the old
leather couch, his Father was at his desk with a number of candles burning
as the night darkened.

Snot saw his father watching him every step of the way as he crossed the
wooden floor and then stopped in front of the desk with a large smile on
his face; it was so good to be back in a familiar place with friendly
faces.

"So young man to what do to owe the pleasure of your company."

"Hello Da, I'm here on Mister Marking's orders to ask you for help."

"Is that so young man? And why would such a man as Mister Marking be giving
you such an important duty? Why I remember that not so long ago you were
just a shrimp of a boy who spent all his time making trouble for grown
men."

Snot decided to play his Father's game and so straightened up to attention
as he had learnt to do and in a strong and steady voice replied to his
Father's enquiry.

"Captain Morgan, I am Second Lieutenant Morgan of the 1st Regiment of
Spanish Guerrillas and am here at the request of my superior officer to
carry an important message asking for your valued assistance."

Peter Morgan put a surprised look on his face as he tried to hold back the
laughter; his youngest son had certainly grown up and even at a time like
this looked very serious and duty bound.

"Well Lieutenant Morgan, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Perhaps
you can give me the message from your superior and we can discuss this
further."

"Yes Sir." Snot was finding it harder and harder to keep a straight look on
his face, especially when he heard the chuckling from behind him as Smithy
watched the little tableau between the two men.

Snot took out the leather wallet and removed the sheet of paper; making a
play of great ceremony, he carefully placed the paper on his Father's desk
for the older Morgan to open and read. Peter Morgan looked down at the
sealed paper and then back at his youngest son.

"Do you have anything else Lieutenant?"

"Yes Captain, there is a matter of the ship that brought me here. The
Captain, one Captain Larkin, was kind enough to run with a part empty ship
to make sure I arrived quickly. I would like to ask for some assistance for
him and his ship as he did not need to make the trip at a loss just for
me. The ship is also in need of some maintenance and I hoped you could help
the man."

"I see, and where is this Captain Larkin?"

"He is still aboard ship Sir but will be ashore with the tide tomorrow."

"Very good Lieutenant, I will have one of the men go and meet him for
talks. Smithy that's your job first thing in morning."

Snot heard a grunt from behind him as he waited for his Father to
continue. It seemed that his Father had decided it was time to have his
youngest son back as a wide face splitting smile spread across the older
Morgan's features.

"You look good Snot, have you had your dinner yet?"

Snot immediately relaxed and smiled widely back at his Father.

"No Da, not yet; George said to come down when we was all done here."

"Good, then go down and eat and all of us will get together with your
granddad and you can tell us all about your travels. I'm real proud of you
Snot; you're growing into a good man. Now get out of here so I can read
this message then I will come down and join you."

Snot smiled as he turned and ran for the stairs; his narrow belly was
starting to rumble with hunger as it would for all growing boys; it was
only minutes later and he was sitting at his Grandfathers table and
starting on a huge meal that George had placed before him, it was
accompanied by a warm mug of old fashioned mead; something not often seen
in the tavern unless it was for a special occasion.

Snot sat and ate in silence while his Grandfather watched silently as he
also ate a little and sipped on his tankard of ale; it was almost a picture
of family peace and contentment.

Peter Morgan opened the message from Thomas and read it silently; he then
took the other paper that had come with it and looked over the list of
needs written on it. With a sigh Peter looked up at his friend Smithy and
said.

"I've got a job for you Smithy. Take this list and see what you can do
about it; any costs can be charged to Marking Shipping Company. Let's
double the amounts he has written here just to be sure. Next I want you to
go down to Harry's and ask him to clear his dry dock just in case it's
needed for this Captain Larkin's ship. I'm going to join young Snot for the
rest of the evening so you can have the night off but I want you on these
things first thing in the morning so don't get too drunk or I will know the
reason why."

Smithy stood up and reached for the list before touching his nonexistent
forelock and leaving the room; Peter rose and made for the stairs as he
wanted to spend as much time with his youngest as he could before the boy
returned to the war.

The next morning found Captain Larkin standing at the gangplank as the
pilot left the ship to carry out other duties. Captain Larkin watched as
the pilot stopped to talk to another man waiting on the dock. After a few
words the two men parted and the newcomer looked up the gangplank at the
waiting Captain.

"Captain Larkin, permission to come aboard Sir?"

"Come ahead Sir."

Larkin watched the man climb the gangplank, it was immediately obvious the
man was familiar with the sea and its ships as he stepped onto the deck and
quickly looked around before giving a small bow and touching his forehead.

"Captain Larkin, I am Jonas Smith and am here on behalf of Captain Peter
Morgan and have been instructed to offer you all assistance. What is your
cargo Sir?"

"A mixture Mister Smith; some wine of Portugal and bolts of cloth. Only a
half hold but that was all I could get before making for London Town as
young Mister Morgan needed to make all haste."

"Very good Sir. If you could have your men remove the hatches I will call
the men to have you unloaded. I have also been told that you may be in need
of maintenance on your vessel?"

"Yes she could do with some work but alas I don't have coin enough for such
work and be able to pay the crew as well. Times are hard Mister Smith and
needs of the crew must come first if I want to keep her sails aloft."

"Captain Morgan has given instructions that your ship is to be taken to dry
dock for all work needed to her. It's his way to thank you for watching
over his youngest son and delivering him safely. There will be no charge
for the work and the Captain would like to make your acquaintance at your
earliest convenience; he may have some work for you and your ship if you
should so desire Sir."

"Thank you Mister Smith and where would I find Captain Morgan?"

"Just go to the end of number three warehouse and you will see the sign of
the Kings Gate tavern, you will find him there Sir."

"Thank you Mister Smith, I will make my way there just as soon as I have
the men release the hatches. I must ask Mister Smith; what of my men while
the ship is laid up?"

"I don't know of that Captain but I am sure Captain Morgan will be able to
answer that for you."

"Thank you Mister Smith, I will do that. I need to get the men working now
so if there is nothing more then I will say good day and hope that we can
meet again."

"Aye Sir, I will go and get the dockers to start unloading. Captain Morgan
will offer you a price for your cargo so you can pay the crew just as soon
as it has been valued."

Captain Larkin nodded his head and then turned to call for the crew to
remove hatches; it seemed the young Lieutenant was as good as his word and
that pleased the Captain; it was difficult in these times to find any
honour while the war was on.

Captain Larkin made his way to the door of the Kings Gate tavern. From
inside he could hear the sounds of early drinkers settling in for the
day. Stepping inside he saw the most unusual sight he had ever seen. Behind
the bar was a man who looked to be no more than a savage dressed up as an
Englishman; it made Captain Larkin pause in his step and wonder if he was
really in the right place.

A young voice caught his attention and it took little time for Captain
Larkin to spy the young Lieutenant sitting in a rear alcove with a very old
man who was partially hidden in the deep shadow. Captain Larkin made his
way towards the young Officer in the hope of finding his Captain
Morgan. Snot had watched Captain Larkin enter and; after a short pause,
make his way towards him. When the Captain was standing in front of the
table, Snot said.

"Good Morning Captain Larkin, are you here to see my Da?"

"Yes Lieutenant that is my instructions from Mister Smith."

"Good then just go up the stairs he will be waiting for you, that is unless
you would like to stay for breakfast before you meet him?"

"No thank you Lieutenant, business must come first but I may join you later
if it is still your pleasure."

"It certainly will be Captain."

"Then I thank you for your offer Lieutenant and look forward to joining you
after business is done."

Captain Larkin turned to the narrow wooden stairs and made his way up; he
wasn't quite sure what he was expecting but the wide and well appointed
room above was not it. The man he thought could only be Captain Morgan was
sitting behind an old wide desk and shuffling through some papers when
Captain Larkin stepped through the open door. Peter Morgan was the first to
speak when he saw who his visitor was.

"Captain Larkin I presume, come Sir take a seat and let's get acquainted. I
must thank you for helping and watching over my youngest; not many would
take the chance with one so young and unknown and for that you will have my
eternal thanks."

"Think nothing of it Captain Morgan, my ship was lying empty and with
little hope of cargo at the time; there was also something about the young
Lieutenant that I could not refuse."

Peter chuckled a little before he said.

"Aye Captain the boy does have a way about him when he wants something. Now
then Captain, I have the first provisional costing of your cargo; it will
probably increase once we are fully unloaded but at this time I have a
first accounting for you to consider."

Peter slid a piece of paper across the desk for the Captain to look over
before he continued with the discussion. Captain Larkin took one glance at
the figure written on the paper and lifted his head to stare at the man
behind the desk.

"Is this a true value of the cargo Captain Morgan?"

"At this stage, yes but I am sure as we finalise the unloading there will
be some small additions."

"But Captain Morgan this is almost thrice the price I paid for it in
Portugal and nearly twice what I expected on the final sale."

"I can assure you Captain Larkin that it is a fare price on today's market
place. Your casks of wine alone are in high demand among the gentry and
will more than fetch a reasonable price and the added lace and cloth are in
very high demand as well by the ladies. You made a good choice in cargo's
Captain."

"I must admit Captain Morgan that it was the young Lieutenant that
organised the cargo for me, I had little knowledge of where to find one
that would pay for the travel to England and thought that as I have less
than a hold full I would be hard pressed to make wages for the men."

"So you are satisfied with the arrangements for your cargo Captain?"

"Fully Sir, more than I could have expected."

"Good then I have one more thing to offer you. Should you wish time to
consider it then I can wait until your ship is refloated after repairs and
you can give me your final decision. Is that fair Captain Larkin?"

"More than fair Captain but what is your offer, if I may be so bold?"

Just as Peter was about to explain what he had in mind, he heard footsteps
on the stairs and a moment later he saw the face of Shipwright Harris with
a concerned look on his face.

"Excuse me a moment Captain Larkin, Mister Harris has the report on your
ship so you may be interested as to what he has to say. Harry! What have
you got for us?"

"Well it's not all good Cap'n; that old Barque needs some work and right
quick."

"Well don't blather on Harry, tell us what you've got so we can get onto
it."

"Well Cap'n we will need to step a new Jib Boom so I can add an extra sail,
her foot is rotten and can't be saved. Next she has two planks at the
waterline that have sprung; I don't have a clue how she's held together so
long. Now then there is the careening and that's long overdue; must have
most of the ocean litter hung on her hull. I can see she will be able to
carry eight guns and I can add top Royals to the Main and Fore to add a
little more speed, the rest is just dressing her up and a good clean inside
and out."

"How long Harry?"

"With the men I have now, I would say about ten weeks, perhaps eight unless
I can hire extra men."

"Eight to ten weeks, damn it Harry I know you can do better than that."

"Well Cap'n, ifin I was to hire extra men it would add about one hundred
guineas to the cost but I could perhaps have her all done in six weeks."

"You have the extra hundred Harry and not a day over six weeks; agreed?"

"Aye Cap'n, six weeks and she'll be afloat, pon my word."

"Good enough, the men should have her free and clear by late afternoon; can
you get her in the dock by nightfall?"

"I'll have every man standing by, don't worry none Cap'n, she'll be tied
down by dark."

"Good enough, what do you think Captain Larkin?"

"I...I...I don't know quite what to say Captain Morgan. I agree of course,
she's been a good ship and I would like to have her at sea for a few more
years."

"Thank you Harry, it's all in your hands now and you know what I expect."

"Aye Cap'n, we'll get it done on time and done right."

Harry bowed his head and touched his forehead then turned and left the room
to the two Captains; he had his orders and he well knew that no one broke a
contract with the Morgan's; not if they wanted to stay in business on the
docks.

"Now Captain Larkin, back to our own business. As you can see we look after
our friends, is there anything else we can do to make your ship safe and
sea worthy?"

"No Sir, in fact it is far more than I would have expected from any man;
I'm just not sure how I am going to repay you. My cargo will not cover the
costs involved and I still have my men to pay. I fear that if the ship is
docked for six weeks I will lose my crew before she can sail again and you
must well know how hard it is to get a new crew in these times of war."

"There is no charge for your repairs Captain Larkin, the life of my
youngest son is worth far more that the cost of a few repairs so you can
put it to rest. Now then as too your crew. If you were to agree to what I
am about to offer then your crew would be taken care of with wages until
you are once again afloat."

"Well I am prepared to listen to your offer Captain Morgan, it is the least
I can do."

"Good then here is what I propose. I am the agent for a new but small
shipping company and they are on the lookout to add ships to their
fleet. Now before you worry about having to sell your ship let me fully
explain. The company would like to offer you a two year contract to sail
for them; you would remain in full command and retain ownership of your
vessel. The terms they are offering are that from your cargo we will deduct
the cost of cargo and then the rest will be halved with you. All your
revictualling will be done at the cost to the company so your profits
should more than make up for paying half to the company. If you agree to
these conditions then we can guarantee that you will have full cargoes for
the next two years. There is one more thing that they will require and that
is that you sail your ship under their colours when at sea or in foreign
ports but here in England you may fly your normal ensign."

"A most generous offer Captain Morgan, one I find very difficult to refuse
especially as my crew who have been with me for a number of years are also
being looked after. May I ask how many ships the company has and where I
may be taking my ship most times?"

"The company has only one other ship at this time, she is a Brig and mounts
sixteen guns, the company likes to have all their vessels armed in these
times of war. The Brig is being stepped with a third mast along with other
alterations to make her faster and most of her work will be across the
Atlantic to the Bermuda Islands. If you take on the contract your ship will
mostly be running supplies and cargo to Portugal and Spain and that is why
we want to arm you. There are still those French around that think they are
still winning and an unarmed ship is easy prey for them."

"I can well see the need for the guns Captain Morgan but my men are not
trained for warfare, they are just sailors. The rest I can fully agree with
and would find it difficult to refuse your offer except for the situation
with the guns."

"Have no fear Captain Larkin, you will have the best gunners I can find to
fill that part of your ship. So what do you think; is it worth it to you to
take the contract and have a guaranteed income for your ship and crew or
would you prefer to take to the sea on your own once the repairs are done?"

"If I wished to move on alone, what is the cost to me for the repairs?"

"As I told you Captain Larkin, the repairs are paid for by the Company as a
thank you for watching over my son, there is no debt incurred whether you
accept or refuse we just will not mount the guns but that is all."

"Then Captain Morgan I offer my sincerest thanks and I will sign articles
with you company for the expected two years. The security it offers the
crew and myself is undeniable and only a fool would refuse."

"Good then Captain Larkin, welcome to the Marking Shipping Company. Would
you like to join me down below for a tot to seal the deal?"

"That I would Captain, that I would"

The two men left the room and made their way down into the bar where the
crowd had increased; Captain Larkin saw that most of the men in the bar
were from his own ship and were already drinking. He followed Peter Morgan
to the rear alcove where Snot still sat with his Grandfather. When the two
men arrived, Peter said.

"Captain Larkin you know my son of course and the other old fellow is my
Grandfather Captain Henry Morgan. Pop this is our newest Captain and he
will be joining Marking Shipping once his ship is repaired."

Captain Larkin could not believe his ears, sitting before him was the
convener of the Council himself. It had just not clicked in his head that
the name Morgan was the one known for more than a hundred years and that
Peter was the same family. Suddenly Captain Larkin understood why it was so
easy for Peter to get everything done in such haste.

"Welcome Captain Larkin, I'm sure you will have many questions which I will
try to answer for you in full, but for now sit and drink to your success."

"Thank you Captain Morgan, I can now see how your young Lieutenant was able
to accomplish all he did in such a short space of time."

"Well captain you will also be a part of it from now on so I hope you will
toast to your coming success."

"Thank you Sir. There is one thing I would like to ask."

"Certainly."

"Who is this Marking Shipping Company; it's not a name I have ever heard of
before."

"Ah yes, well Captain you may have seen certain newspaper articles on a
certain young drummer that did well in the war?"

"Yes I think I remember seeing some writings on his exploits but if my
memory serves me right he was killed by the French at a place called
Olivenca."

"Well they were a little hasty in reporting that, as it turns out Captain
Marking is fit and well; it is his company that you now sail for. He has
now joined the Portuguese Spanish alliance as a General and that is why you
have been asked to fly the Portuguese colours when at sea. The young man
has had a falling out with the English high command and now fights under
the Spanish flag and therefore has the need for his own ships to supply
him; that is where you come in."

"I see, well if there were a more worthy cause to sail for then I can't for
the life of me think of it at this stage. Gentlemen! To our long and
successful contract with the young General."

The three men and Snot lifted their glasses and drank the large tot of rum
then, as the sounds of loose tongues and happy voices began to fill the bar
the four of them settled down to get to know each other better. It was only
a half hour later when Snot had to leave to reclaim his horse from the dock
as it had been unloaded and was waiting for him nearby.

Peter Morgan had one last offer to make to Captain Larkin and he wished to
get it all over and done with before the drinking and celebrations fully
got underway.

"There is one more thing I can offer you and your crew if they wish to
accept it Captain Larkin. The new Company has available a boarding house
for its crews when they are in London. It is just around the corner so is
close to the docks. There is no charge for Company crews and as you and
your men will be here for at least six weeks I would like to make the offer
for you and your men to make use of it until the ship is re-launched. It is
called the Copper Key and is easy to find unless you and the men have other
plans it is there for your use."

"Thank you Captain Morgan, there are those who will like to visit loved
ones but I am sure there are others who would like to make use of it. I
will inform the men when I pay them off tomorrow morning."

"It may be better if you do it today and before they are too far in their
cups as they won't have a ship to go back to as soon as it's unloaded; it
may also pay to have them gather their hammocks now before the ship is dry
docked. I will soon have the full total of the value of your cargo so you
can pay them today if that will suit your needs."

"Even better Captain Morgan. It will allow them to make plans
immediately. I thank you once again; I can see joining the new Company was
indeed the right thing to do."

The three men settled back and it was only a half hour later when Peter's
cargo manager brought the final costing of the cargo to him. An hour later
and the crew had been paid and told about the accommodations available to
them if they wanted to make use of it. A number of the crew had nowhere
else to go and took up the offer but others had homes and families to visit
and were soon on their way to see them. Of those left it was to turn into a
very late and drunken night as most sailors were want to do.

 The next day Snot soon had his horse under him and was taking a long ride
through the packed streets of London. For many that saw the youngster
mounted on such a well bred horse and appeared to also be armed to the
teeth brought much speculation but no one tried to stop or delay his ride.

It was just after midday when Snot found himself outside the London
boundaries; it was then he got an idea of his own. If he was too hurry he
could make the small stone cottage before dark and he was sure the
occupants would be glad of any news he could carry to them; it was the
least he could do for his special hero Thomas Marking.

Even though the roads were still carrying the mud of spring, Snot made good
time to the small cottage and arrived an hour before dark; he was just in
time to see Thomas's father limping towards the cottage from the closest
field. Snot also spied the small brother of Thomas tottering around close
the door of the cottage. The waddling walk of the little boy brought a
smile to Snot's face as he slowed the horse and then stepped down to lead
it into the front yard.

Cromwell Marking saw the rider and had stopped just outside the doorway and
turned to watch as the young man in the distinctive black uniform
approached on foot with the beautiful horse following on the rein.

"Good evening Mister Marking, I don't know if you remember me but I'm one
of your General Marking's Officers. I thought I should come and let you
know that he is well and fighting fit. I don't know if anyone has told you
yet but thought you should know he survived his wounds."

"Thank you young man, please come in; it's time for supper and you're most
welcome. We were told that Thomas recovered but it's good to see one of his
friends here. I'm sure his mother will welcome any news you have."

"Thank you Sir, is there somewhere I can stable my horse?"

"Yes just around back there is the barn, put him in there for the night. I
assume you would like to stay with us if you have little else to do?"

"Thank you again Mister Marking, I would like that."

"Good then put the horse away and come back and join us, I'll go and tell
Thomas's mother we have an extra for supper."

Snot did as he was told and was soon back and being introduced to Thomas's
mother. For Snot it was the first time he had really spent time with an
ordinary family and they both made him feel like one of the family; it was
a new and welcome experience for the boy that had been raised in a tavern
in the middle of London Town and one he enjoyed to its fullest.

TBC.