AT SEA NOVEMBER 1873
As the tropical light faded and the surf crashed silver onto the beach, Jack chivvied his men onto HM gunboat Decoy. The Wests filed on board, chattering happily, finding spaces below deck and preparing for a voyage into the unknown. Once they settled, Jack stood on deck to watch the bustle, with boats conveying the Royal Marines and Royal Marine Artillery to HMS Barracoutta. With its usual efficiency, the navy sent Captain Peel and a landing party of fifty sailors ashore to man the outlying posts of Cape Coast Castle.
“Sir Garnet"s taking a risk, denuding Cape Coast of all its defenders except a handful of tarry jacks,” Hopringle sounded nervous.
“Aye,” Jack agreed. “But he knows what he"s doing.”
“Does he?”
“I"ve never known such a meticulous planner,” Jack said
