Hornblower: Retribution Page #4

Dr Clive, more laudanum.

He already has enough in him to fell an ox.

(Knocking)

- Yes!

You're needed on deck, sir.

That's my boat!

What in God's name...?

MAN:
Arretez!

I am Francois Lefanu,

Colonel of the Free Army of Santo Domingo.

I say to you, sir,

this is not your fight.

Leave this place!

- Free Army.

- Jumped-up slaves.

What's he doing on my boat?

And with my own men.

- Do I give the order to fire, sir? - No.

You will do no such thing. N -Not until I...

Sir. Get us out of here! Sir!

You will return my men at once,

or I will open fire.

Marines, ready!

Our army has liberated this island

for our own people.

- You could ask them aboard.

- How would it look? Talks with a slave?

He's in range. We could take him now, sir.

No! I said no.

Well?

I think we have the advantage of them, sir.

Indeed we do.

What news?

Would you care to observe the enemy,

Mr Kennedy?

(Laughs)

Good God!

That gentleman needs no lessons in his duty.

BUSH:
Even in this hour.

KENNED Y:
Well, well, well.

That's enough, Mr Kennedy.

May I remind you why we're here.

Recall your men

and there will be no more bloodshed.

Sir!

Bloodshed? What bloodshed?

Randall and the other deserters. sir.

We believed they were Spanish.

But we have no quarrel with you.

Recall the rest of your men,

and no harm will come to these two.

- Mr Buckland.

- One moment.

Gardez I'homme! Vite!

Bring them on.

(Laughs) Still at it, sir?

Styles.

That's the last warning. From now on,

if you breathe out of turn

I'll have your neck. Agreed?

Release my men at once!

I said release... my... men.

Front rank, present.

- Do we fire, sir?

- Fire?

(Gunfire)

What bloody fool?

No. I said no!

Cease fire!

I gave no order!

Cessez! Cessez!

Oh, God.

Sir.

Renowns, charge!

(Cheering)

You will regret this.

- Front rank, load!

- I swear to you, sir, you will regret this!

The men saw me undecided,

and they acted without me.

Now I've sent the Spanish fort

a note by pigeon post.

We cannot be sure.

Oh, yes. I think we can.

If we'd gone to Kingston, as I wished...

We've lost enough time.

We head back to the mouth of the bay.

- Sir?

- The bay, Dr Clive.

To take off what survivors there may be.

(Cheering)

Marines, form line. Engage the parapet.

Renowns, with me!

Go on, sir!

Present! Fire!

Back! Back! Back!

(Confused shouting)

Up against the wall!

Keep it tight!

- Archie. Up there. Your friend from the tower.

- What?

Look!

- What's he doing up there?

- Exactly. Matthews, come with me.

Aye aye, sir.

Hornblower! Where the hell are you going?

Marines, to me!

We must find Hobbs and that gunpowder.

Quickly now!

The only way out is up, sir.

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