1805 (1985)
“‘Three points to starboard, sir. Ten or a dozen small craft with a brig as escort.’ He saw them at last, faint interruptions on the steel-blue horizon, growing more substantial as every minute passed and the gathering daylight grew. Squatting, he steadied his glass and studied the shapes, trying to deduce what they might be. Behind him he heard the shuffle of feet as other officers joined Hill, together with a brief muttering as they discussed the possibility of an attack.
Drinkwater rose stiff...ly. His neck and shoulder ached in the chilly air. He shut the telescope with a snap and turned on the officers.
‘Well, gentlemen. What d’you make of ’em, eh?’ ‘Invasion barges,’ said Hill without hesitation. Drinkwater agreed.
‘ “Chaloupes” and “péniches”, I believe they call the infernal things, moving eastwards to the rendezvous at Havre and all ready to embark what Napoleon Bonaparte is pleased to call the Army of the Coasts of the Ocean.’ ‘Clear for action, sir?’ asked Rogers, his pale features showing the dark shadow of an unshaven jaw and reminding Drinkwater that daylight was growing quickly.MoreLess
Drinkwater rose stiff...ly. His neck and shoulder ached in the chilly air. He shut the telescope with a snap and turned on the officers.
‘Well, gentlemen. What d’you make of ’em, eh?’ ‘Invasion barges,’ said Hill without hesitation. Drinkwater agreed.
‘ “Chaloupes” and “péniches”, I believe they call the infernal things, moving eastwards to the rendezvous at Havre and all ready to embark what Napoleon Bonaparte is pleased to call the Army of the Coasts of the Ocean.’ ‘Clear for action, sir?’ asked Rogers, his pale features showing the dark shadow of an unshaven jaw and reminding Drinkwater that daylight was growing quickly.MoreLess
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