Chapter 33
Sir Lyle completed his subtle inquiries at the Admiralty and, as soon as he returned from his expedition, sent over a generous donation of smuggled brandy. He cautioned the delivery boy to handle the barrel with particular care, and to deliver it directly into the hands of an upper servant. It would be understood. It was not the first time.
Blast those stiff-necked sailors! he thought. Avebury is worth ten of them, and they know it.
He had made no threats, and did not mention the captain’s name once. But he had made his interests known, and was sure the gentle exchange of pleasantries with various officers of His Majesty’s fleet would have some result. At the very least, he had shown them he knew what they were, and now they feared him. He was usually reluctant to let anyone
