A bastard by birth and orphaned at twelve, Charles has learnt to fend for himself in 1660s London. Homeless, he seeks shelter for the night in some canvas aboard a barge on the Thames. In the morning, he tumbles awake when the sail is hoisted, and t...
During the following weeks, we found fewer ships to take, and while we breakfasted one morning, I asked Captain why this would be.
"Many that we captured had traded back and forth between Tortola and the Dutch colonies to the north and south. This is why most prizes we now find are larger ships, those coming directly from Holland and East-Indiamen returning from the Orient."
"And with the disappearance of so many of their ships, those in Tortola would long since suspect."
"Indeed, Boy. As well as those in the ports to and from whence the ships sailed. Six weeks since we took the first, and by now, their Navy has been informed of this - most likely from several quarters. It is now obvious they know Nevis is involved. That we can see the French arrivals and departures at Basse Terre means they can see ours. And the high land beyond their harbour enables them to see all our ships here."
"But you had said no Navy ships are there."
"Captain Berry told me yesterday that two men-of-war, one French and the other Dutch, arrived while we were away."
"Even with his blockade?"
"Yes, when they were sighted, his ships retreated."
"Oh! Why would they do this?"
"It was as instructed. They are armed merchantmen, and their duty was to intimidate trading ships. But it would be high folly to do so with men-of-war."
I nodded. "So their navies now know we are here."
"Indeed. And both ships sailed three days past."
"Rather than attacking us."
Captain chuckled. "That would be like entering a lion's lair. They now know our strength here, and without doubt, they have sailed to assemble more ships and to plan their attack."
"And give us time to find some way to defend."
"That is well in hand, Boy."
"But such a feeble defence it will be. There is no harbour here - only the broad roads open to the sea."
"It is far better than you think. Remember, the land is also beneath the water, and here, what lies unseen is to our advantage. After we have finished eating, I will show you the chart and explain."
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A while later, Captain took a small parchment from a drawer, laid it atop the chart table and asked, "What would be their expected approach, Boy?"
I examined it for a while, looking for possibilities. "With the winds always from the west, and all the foul ground between here and Saint Christopher, their only safe choice would be to sail across our anchorage, either from the north or the south, sir."
