 to keep my memory sharp. I'd retain a very clear picture in my mind of the events which followed the suppression of the mutiny in the flame. I was tired. I was much to do, many decisions to be taken. Certainly, I felt little enough like granting an interview with a prisoner. And yet the seaman who bore Captain Freeman's message was awaiting my answer. Well, if Captain Freeman thinks it advisable, he can send this fellow in to me. What's his name again? Lilla Brown, sir. He seems to be Deputy Mayor of Lahore, sir. Deputy Mayor, is he? Let's see what he has to say. I've got him outside now, sir. No, I'll see him now. Ah, sir, what have we got to say to him? I take it, Monsieur, that I may speak entirely in confidence. I promise nothing. I represent large commercial interests which have had great influence on the posterity of the art. A forum which was prepared for the moment of peace with full warehouses, could make millions, millions. Look, I'm a busy man. Come to the point. His Majesty of Great Britain might do well to allow his friends to make those preparations in advance. Monsieur Lebrun, I trust you've given thought to what you're saying. There are words which would take you to the guillotine if Bonaparte ever heard of them. You're offering to betray the empire for commercial advantages. There are many in France, sir, who have no faith in the empire. Very well. You may tell me the nature of your offer, but remember that I can make no promises on behalf of my government. A what? Suppose, for instance, that the city of La Havre declared itself against the empire and for Louis XVIII. Well, it might be the example for which the empire is waiting. And if La Havre declared for the king, the city would be in alliance with the Great Britain and their license, but then be granted for my firm to import. How do I know that the city authorities will declare for the king? I cannot assure you of the support of the mares of Lebrun. Most of the other authorities would be safe, too. As to the others, a dozen well-timed arrests and a deal to the troops in the barracks, the arrival of your forces are heartening proclamation to the people, the declaration of a state of siege, and all would be over. Mr. Lebrun, I've been very patient, but so far you've made no definite proposal. If you have one, make it, if not, allow me to proceed with my own duties. Very well, sir. Here is my proposal. Set me on shore. As an excuse, you could send me to arrange the exchange of prisons. If I can assure Mr. Lebrun of your support, I can complete the arrangements in three days. Three days. I mean, while you, sir, you remain close in the vicinity with all the force you can muster. The moment we secure the citadel, we shall send off a white flag. When you see that, sir, you will enter the harbor and overall any resistance in return for this, a license to import colonial produce and your word of honor that you will inform King Louis that it was I, that you, Lebrun, who was responsible for the scheme. There, I think enough, sir. There, there, sir. Pass the word to escort to take this prisoner away. All right, sir. You refuse. But, sir. I will give you my decision in an hour. Meanwhile, for appearances sake, you must be treated harshly. For the moment, I have no more to say. Let's find out who's in command. All right, sir. The signal's going up now, sir. I'll read it back, sir. It's none such. 74, Captain Bush, sir. Send him if possible. He knows I can always rely on Bush. Another signal, sir. All sir, Camiller. 36, Captain Howard. Have on board 300 Marines. 300 Marines, that wonderful, sir. With those and our own men and the none such, we should be able to march 500 men into the harbor if the opportunity arises. Flag the center and make the signal. Commodore to all vessels, join me here after dark. Aye, aye, sir. I shall transfer to the flame. Mr. Freeman, there'll be other work for you with the porter chaelin. Kindly join me with Captain's Bush and Howard when they arrive after dark. LeBron must be completing his plans, and we must strike tomorrow, if at all. Aye, aye, sir. Again, as he hoisted himself and his wooden leg onto the flame in the darkness, it was good to sit in the stuffy little cabin with Bush, Freeman, and Howard, and outline my plans for the morrow. Action was what I needed, and the prospect of it swept away all my doubts and fears. I knew there was no certainty that my government wanted to restore the Bourbons if Bonaparte fell, that they might refuse to honor my promise of the import license, that they might refuse to recognize Louis XVIII, but I might be sharply reprimanded for all I'd done. But the time for hesitation was over now, and the risk must be taken. I saw Bush studying the anxious limb. You've been very busy since you came to see again, sir. Too busy, if you'll pardon me. It was too soon for you to receive duty. Monson's Bush I've had nearly a year sick leave. Yes, sir. Sick leave. Optic typus. Since then, in this work of cutting out action, a baffle, three prizes taken, two vessels sunk, an invasion planned, and now, a midnight council of war. Now, look here, are you gentlemen trying to tell me that I'm unpaid for service? Well, no, sir, but I guess... Then kind of keep your opinions to yourselves. Now, you all understand what I want done tomorrow. If tomorrow is the day, no questions? No, sir. Well, you must forgive me if I was rude just now. Better try and day. Beat the quarters and clear the break for action. Hand me that speaking trumpet. Played alongside the key, Captain Bush is to be informed as soon as possible, but the flame is to go on. And now, let's get those men moving. This cold will chill them into numbers. Men! You want the guns and sheets? Let's see how you can jump. Come on, lie for the arms, move your arms as well. Come on, like this, huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? That's it. All right, right still. Enough of this, Ron. All right, sir. I'm sure when you had to mend dance in the old pipe that we waited to action against the new TV ads. I no desire to recall the past at the moment, Ron. The future will keep us busy enough. Mr. Crawley, two hands at the lead, if you please. If one is killed, the other is to continue sounding. All right, Ron. On the other tack? On the other tack? On the other tack? Making three knots under four and a half sail, we stood in for La Havre. The shadowy and the fog, I could just make out Porta Caeli following our tack. Behind her, but invisible to me, was the old nonsuch. I not said eyes on her since the day I quitted her to catch the typhus in Liga. It was comforting to have them with me again with his stolid loyalty, but nonsuch is tundering broadside. Anchored boy loomed on the starboard bow. We were nearing the entrance to La Havre. No matter for what reason, unless I tell him to. I'm not nearly flogged. For some said today, he'll be at the yard on. You hear me? I'm too nervous as a chap, or not. But if Lebron is playing a double game, only the flame will be lost. Any others will get cleared and haven't helped Lebron and his city. Look. Lay it along that key as quick as you can now. All right, sir. What do you want? I'm telling a man not to fire. Have you not received your new orders? I'll get you the men away from those guns before there's an accident. Look down there. British ships have to keep British Marines for me. What am I to do? Send a messenger at once to the other battery to make sure the officer in command understands. But, Monsieur, I cannot... I said at once, sir. It was tense and uncertain. The young officer was clearly undecided. And then I had an inspiration. I've been speaking in French, of course. And now I heard the rhythmic tread of a section of Marines approaching. And I beckoned them to march past me. As they approached, I crawled to them. Men's heads turned smartly towards the French officer. The officer of Marines saluted smartly. The courtesy of it completely took the wind out of the Frenchman's sails. As he gaped, the Marines wheeled left round the battery in through the open sally port, in among the guns, pushing the gun as a side, knocking the smoldering lint stalks from their hands. Let me help you up. All right, sirs. I can manage. I shall write to the other batteries. See that the other landing party's deploy has arranged. So, thirty-four punters and all pointing towards the harbor. Furnaces for heating shot. Never have stormed this battery by ordinary methods. Pallipets five feet, brick and eight feet higher. Ten foot stitches. Sir, that's all, Monsieur. I do not understand. Who are you, and where did you see the king? I put him in charge here. Bring you great news. This is the beginning of the new age for France. I ought not to involve the landing party in the narrow streets of the town without orders. I have two midshipmen here if you need messengers, sir. Oh, and your coxswain. Your hat, sir. I picked it up on the key. Oh, well, thank you, Brown. The harbor defenses are all secured, Mr. Hard. Yes, sir, thanks to your boldness. It is as if that chapter that Brown has at least succeeded in creating some confusion. None of these trobs seem to know what to do. We mustn't give them time to think. Hello? A rider with a white handkerchief in his hand? Oh, no, yes. I come from the cell of that officer. The citadel is secure. He is about to descend into the main square. The hotel de Ville, there was far more bustle than life. Numerous men sat horses, and detachment has gone down, going up in line, given the respectability of the proceedings. But what really caught the eye was the multitude of white emblems, white everywhere. They're making sure we understand this is true, sir. Look at all the bedsheets hanging out the windows. Oh, even the police have got white cockades in their hats. They're not truce colors, Brown. White is the color of the Bourbons, the kings of France. This is the first time for 20 years that the Bourbon white has shown on French soil. Oh, you come to that looking boat with a white sash. I bet he had a tricolor there yesterday. He looks an important sort of coat, sir. I suspect he's the mayor, Baron Lomas. Come on in! Oh, my horse, well, that is my blue. On the blower, I oppress you. Gentlemen, it's a bit respected. Here is Mr. LeBron, I perceive. Your servant, sir. Our plan has exceeded order. Count order. A very great moment, Mr. LeBron. If you will be so good as to accompany me to the foot of the next stop, the ceremony is about to begin. I shall proclaim allegiance to his majesty. Certainly, sir. Matthew. The citizens of love. The office of not an old man. The town should be given a lead. A slight incestation or show of leniency might lose the town. They scattered before our charge. I reformed my men and marched them back to the square where the mayor had once again taken up his stand beneath the flagstaff. Citizens of the hour, I declare that all troop rich men voluntarily recognize the unbroken reign of his most Christian majesty, Louis the 18th King of France. Yes, I think, Brian, it's time to show an apart. It was perhaps only a foothold of English feats held it. After all these years, all the blood and the heartache, the ground seemed to shake beneath the tyrant blown apart.