Chapter 14
A Matter of BusinessWith the ship to be inspected, docked and repaired, and the myriad things that seemed to require attention whenever they came within reach of an Admiral or a dockyard, Petroc found his time fully occupied.
“You have heard the news, Captain?” The dockyard clerk accepted the latest requisitions from the ship without glancing at them.
“No. I have come straight from my ship.” Petroc was slightly annoyed by the man’s evident lack of attention to the needs of the Kestrel, now lying out in the stream awaiting the return of her guns and powder.
“The Hardy and above thirty of the merchantmen she escorted are lost!” The clerk shook his head sadly. “The news has just reached us. A cutter patrolling the downs encountered a Dutchman a week ago who told them of many sh
