Jake White The BeginningChapter 8
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It was an odd thing, thought Jake, but something that he was fairly used to. Both Caroline and Victoria had always been at pains to explain every minute detail of their successful, or sometimes unsuccessful, business deals. He now had Hermione explaining in minute detail everything which had happened on her trip to Newton Abbott. So it must be a woman thing, he supposed. Nevertheless he was happy for her, and for the estate which would benefit from it.
She did omit, however, the unfortunate meeting with the cow’s horn. That he found out about later when he discovered the bruise. She was not happy that he was still giggling about that when he fell asleep. Still, the trip was successful, and the herd of White Parks should get them going in the right direction.
Hermione wanted Jake to go to Wraxall to see the new herd, and she thought it would be nice if they took the children. There was plenty of room at Wraxall Old Hall, and she was quite sure that they would enjoy it. Lydia thought it would be a good idea, but she would stay in Bristol. Moving all the children, all the baggage and all the staff to look after them would be a major operation, not too different from moving a small army, Jake thought. It was decided that the children would stay there for two weeks, Hermione would be there most of the time, and Jake would travel back and forth as business demanded.
The four girls were slightly apprehensive when they were told about the forthcoming holiday, a concept they did not understand, but the enthusiasm of the maids and Ursula soon won them over. The idea of travelling by train was certainly an exciting prospect for all of them.
It took only a couple of days to get things sorted, with Hermione rushing about organising everyone. Jake had hired a private carriage to be attached to the midday train from Temple Meads to Paddington. From there they would go on to Jake’s usual hotel where a suite had been booked for the children, and rooms for Jake and Hermione. In her new position as governess Ursula also had her own room. The baggage that was not required for the overnight stay was transferred to Kings Cross station ready to accompany them the next day.
The following morning they boarded their private carriage at Kings Cross for the journey north. Hampers of food had been obtained from the hotel kitchens to ensure that the children would not be hungry, although after a while the excitement tired most of them and they slept. From Old Leake they were taken by trap to Wraxall Old Hall. Brightman, the Duchess’s butler had, as should be taken for granted, organised things to perfection, and everything was ready for them.
Brightman had put Jake and Hermione in their usual rooms, and as usual Hermione joined Jake via the bathroom.
“I really had no idea,” she began as she climbed into bed, “that children were so tiring. How those two girls cope I have no idea. They always seem happy and very patient with them, so I suppose you get used to it.”
She was silent for a few minutes and Jake realised she had fallen asleep.
After breakfast the following day Hermione was anxious to show Jake the herd of White Parks. These had arrived several days previously. The drovers had taken some of the original stock which they would sell when they reached London, depositing the proceeds and then returning to Devon.
Hermione and Jake walked out to the dairy where they met Walter Gabriel. Walter was happy to show Jake the books documenting the bloodlines of the animals, and they discussed bringing in bulls from other herds. To start with the milk was being shipped by train, but they were hoping to start cheese making soon. They took a walk around to see how the building work was proceeding, all appearing to be satisfactory. They met with Mary and her grandmother who expressed delight with the renovation work done to their house. When Jake and Hermione returned to the house the children were outside exploring the garden.
“They’ve already done a full exploration of the house,” Ursula laughed. “And now it’s the turn of the garden. The girls are taking the little ones with them, so all I am doing is watching.”
“Betsy and Maudie are clearing up after them I suppose,” said Hermione.
“Yes,” replied Ursula. “It’s not a very ... interesting garden is it. Is that due to the climate here?”
“I don’t think so. My mother would like it to be better, but there is only Williams and a boy, and the walled garden gets attention first to provide food. Perhaps in the future we’ll be able to employ more men,” Hermione told her.
They were interrupted by a scream as one of the younger children took a tumble, and grazed a knee. Ursula went to supervise the medical care, whilst Hermione and Jake continued to watch the rest of the children.
On the second day they visited the beach, The children were all thrilled by this and it became a favourite destination for the rest of the holiday. Two of the household’s three dogs decided that they would accompany them. This had been something of concern since the dogs were not used to children, but this turned out not to be a problem. Of the three dogs, this particular pair had taken it upon themselves to ‘look after’ the children. The third, older dog, just kept its distance.
Hermione usually visited her mother in the morning whilst the old lady was taking breakfast in her room. One morning at the beginning of the second week when she entered her mother’s room she found her mother looking very down.
“Mama, what is wrong?” she asked, hugging her mother.
“Oh dear, Hermione, there really isn’t anything wrong,” her mother told her. “I would so liked to have had children myself. Oh! Don’t take that the wrong way, I was delighted to have you. But it is so lovely having the old house filled with the laughing and chattering of these children. They are all a delight and I am going to miss them when they go.”
“They’ll all be back again, Mama. They may live in Bristol, but this is their home too.”
“Of course it is, my dear, and they will be welcome here any time.”
Ursula was managing very informal lessons teaching the children about nature, and had recruited Mary to help her. Living where she did Mary had a vast knowledge of nature, although it took Ursula to coax it out of her. Once she discovered that the children were fascinated by the different birds and insects and even grasses, she was delighted to pass her knowledge on.
One other thing of note happened whilst they were at Wraxall Old Hall. Jake had returned on the Friday before they had to return home. After dinner he retired to the library to go through some papers that he had brought with him. He thought that he might be able to do this on the train, but the North Eastern carriages did not ride as smoothly as the Great Western and he had soon found himself feeling nauseous. Strange, he thought, considering he had no problems shipboard, but then, he supposed, it was a different motion. He had been there for some while when Brightman arrived with a decanter of brandy and two glasses on a silver tray.
“I thought you might like a nightcap, Sir Jacob,” he said.
Jake realised that this was something perfectly normal for a butler who required an informal talk with the head of the household. Although he wasn’t sure that he enjoyed that position, Brightman nevertheless considered that he did.
“Thank you, Brightman. Would you care to join me?”
“Thank you, sir.”
Brightman poured two glasses, and Jake indicated a chair. Brightman sat down.
Jake was now in an unusual position. Certainly for him. Normally anyone of his staff could approach him, and he would listen to what they and to say. He felt this kept him in touch with all aspects of the business and he encouraged his managers to do the same. This was different. It was a perfectly normal situation for Brightman, who would expect this late evening informality when matters relating to the house needed to be discussed, but still ... Jake decided to enter into the conversation with great care. The last thing he wanted to do was upset a man who was supremely competent in his job, and had made allowances for Jake when he had been in error when dealing with the household. Jake sipped his brandy appreciatively.
“I take it that this is from the old Duke’s stock,” he said.
“Indeed it is, sir. The Duke laid in a great deal of wine and brandy.”
“A little short of port though,” said Jake.
“Yes, sir,” confirmed Brightman. “The Duke wasn’t a keen port drinker.”
“I shall have to rectify that omission,” replied Jake. “In my dealings with the Portuguese it has become a particular favourite of mine. Should I take a look at the cellar?”
“I think that would be a good idea, sir,” Brightman replied. “May I say that it is good to see life being breathed into the estate again, I know the people here are very pleased with the availability of work. It has been too long.”
“I am pleased to hear it. It is a challenge, but I think we can make the business side of the estate work, and then everyone will benefit.” said Jake. “I must thank you for everything you, and your staff have done to accommodate all the children too, Brightman. They have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
“It was no problem, sir. It really has been a pleasure for all of us. I cannot say that I have ever encountered such well behaved children, Sir Jacob. They do you credit. We have enjoyed the house being filled with young people again, sir. Betsy and Maudie have impressed us too, and Miss Dickinson, their governess seems an excellent young lady.”
Brightman lapsed into silence.
“There was something else, Brightman,” said Jake.
“Indeed, sir. The last fortnight has been most enjoyable, sir, but it has reminded me that I am not as young as I once was. It has been in my mind for a while that I might ... retire, sir. I didn’t like to talk to Her Grace about it...”
“But the last fortnight has brought it to the fore,” said Jake.
“Yes, sir. I mean no offence, sir,” said Bightman.
“And none taken, Brightman. No, none at all.”
Jake was silent for a moment.
“I had in my mind that we would need to provide for older retainers. Suppose we were to build a group of, say four retirement homes in the village,” said Jake, thoughtfully. “Somewhat like the old alms houses they used to build. Would something like that suit you?”
“That sounds splendid, Sir Jacob.”
“Good! Then consider it done. I trust you will assist in selecting your replacement?”
“Of course, sir.”
“And you’ll still be on hand if I need your advice, Brightman.”
Brightman grinned.
The holiday had proved to be a success and enjoyed by everyone. Naturally no one wanted to go home, but eventually all the children, the maids and Ursula together with Hermione and Jake, made ready for the trip back to Bristol.
Old Leake station had a double track through the station itself, so that up and down trains could pass. There was, however, no platform at which to leave the private carriage that the family would use to return to London. The station master solved the problem by putting the carriage into the cattle loading dock. A considerable amount of cleaning had been done, but it was, nevertheless, far from what would be expected by important passengers. The station master was distraught with worry.
“I am sorry, Sir Jacob,” the Station Master said, wringing his hands. “We do not have suitable facilities here. I shall ask the company to provide something better in future.”
“Do not worry, Mr Ingleby. You have done your best, I can ask for nothing more. I don’t expect this to be more than an annual event. So this will be fine.”
Meanwhile, at midnight, the witching hour, in the Irish sea, the tension on board was palpable. ‘Moonfleet’ was still holding her course. The wind had picked up and veered slightly, but she was still making no more than five to six knots. One of Midshipman Smart’s party was standing on the topsail yard as lookout, but as yet nothing had been sighted. ‘Firebrand’, still darkened, was following several cables distant on ‘Moonfleet’s’ port quarter. ‘Moonfleet’s’ crew were all standing by, as were the Mr Smart and his men.
Ten minutes later there was a call from the lookout.
“Deck! Sail on the port bow. ‘Bout two miles.”
Midshipman Smart reported to Fitz.
“Show a white and a red light to ‘Firebrand’, please Mr Smart.”
This was the agreed signal with Captain James. White for sighting, red for port side.
Fitz had slipped back into his previous role as a frigate captain, and the midshipman reacted accordingly.
“Aye, aye, Captain.”
With the signal shown, Smart rejoined his men. ‘Moonfleet’ held her course as had been agreed.
“Deck! She’s closing fast,” called the lookout.
“We can see her,” yelled Smart. “Come down.”
The sailor arrived on deck. “She’s carrying a lot of sail, sir,” he remarked.
They could now see the other ship. Unlike ‘Moonfleet’s’ previous encounter with ‘pirates’ when she had run down a lightly built lugger, this was a heavily built pilot cutter.
The cutter was on a reciprocal course and now closing fast.
“What the devil is she up to?” said Fitz. “She’ll run into ‘Firebrand’ if she’s not careful.”
“Probably hasn’t seen her,” said Tom.
The profile of the cutter started to change, and as it did so realization came.
“She’s going to turn into us and come alongside, sir,” Smart squeaked. “But she’ll never make it!”
“Hard a starboard!” shouted Fitz.
This would turn ‘Moonfleet’ away from the cutter, but she would be head to wind, and come to a full stop. If the cutter did make the turn she would be alongside, but the the navy party could deal with anyone trying to board.
It was not to be, the helmsman of the cutter had completely misjudged the manoeuvre, and ‘Moonfleet’ was too slow to turn. The heavy cutter struck ‘Moonfleet’ almost amidships, and Fitz saw planking and debris flying. The cutter’s bowsprit speared through the bulwark, hit the hatch coaming and shattered into a mess of flying splinters. Her mast crashed down across ‘Moonfleet’ bringing down the foresail, followed by the topmast and topsail in a tangled mess.
Silence.
Everyone stood in shock for a few seconds.
“Mr Smart! How are your men?” called Fitz. “Tom, get the passengers on deck, she isn’t going to last long.”
“Aye, aye, Skipper.”
Tom grabbed another crewman and went below where they could be heard rousing the passengers.
Midshipman Smart dashed to a halt in front of Fitz.
“One man with a head injury, Sir. We’ve taken three prisoners, two with broken bones, One of the boats is smashed, and I’ve men getting the other free. Should launch it in a few minutes, sir.”
“Well done, Mr Smart! Keep them moving. We’ve little enough time, she’s bound for Davy Jones locker.”
The first of the passengers were coming on deck. Some had been sitting up, but one or two had managed to go to sleep. One man had clearly had too much to drink, and was inclined to belligerence. The lady who had been looking after Victoria was now hysterical, and Victoria, in a reversal of roles, was caring for her.
“Is that everyone, Tom?”
“Aye, Skipper, no problems.”
The first boat from ‘Firebrand’ arrived as the deck took on a distinct cant.
“Get the ladies into that boat,” ordered Fitz. “Then the gentlemen if there’s room. And hurry, she’s down by the head already.”
In a few minutes all the passengers were safely in the boat. Mr Smart’s men had heaved ‘Moonfleet’s’ boat into the water, and the second boat arrived from ‘Firebrand’. The deck was now awash forward,
“Get the prisoners and your men into ‘Firebrand’s’ boat,” said Fitz to Midshipman Smart. “Tom, get our men into the other boat.”
“What about you, Captain. You’re not...”
Fitz grinned, “Going down with her? Am I hell, Tom! But I’ll be the last man off, as is proper. After you!”
They pushed off and shipped oars. They had made perhaps a hundred yards from the ship when she made a loud groaning sound, there were sounds of rushing water and she slid beneath the waves.
Another few minutes and they were alongside ‘Firebrand’.
Lord Kingswood was in two minds. To stay in London, where any information would come to him immediately, or to go to Bristol where ‘Moonfleet’ would dock. In the end he decided to stay in London. As soon as there was any information he would receive it, and could then proceed to Bristol. Had ‘Firebrand’ intercepted ‘Moonfleet’? Oh for some sort of shipboard telegraph!
Jake shepherded his flock back to Bristol and then to the house. Aunt Lydia was delighted to see them and was almost buried under children telling her all about their experiences. Jake ensured that everyone was settled, and then decided that he would go down to his office. Feeling in need of some exercise he elected to walk. On his way he met several people with whom he passed the time of day. So it was quite late in the day when he arrived at his office. Dennis greeted him as he walked in, and informed him that a telegram had arrived earlier.
“Nothing else needing attention,” he said, “and it’s personally addressed.”
Jake went into his office and sat down. He picked up the envelope, slit it open, and took out the form. Seconds later he called out for Dennis.
“Where is Angelica?”
“She cannot be far away,” said Dennis. “I’ll get Anthony to find her.”
He was back moments later, and Jake passed him the telegram.
MOONFLEET SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE ATTACK STOP HAVE DISPATCHED FRIGATE TO INTERCEPT STOP CONTACT SOONEST STOP HATHERLEY
“Do you know any more than that?” asked Dennis.
“No. But he is obviously in London. But where is Victoria?”
Before Dennis could speculate Angelica came in.
“I wasn’t far away, Jake,” she said. “Is there a problem?”
“Is ‘Moonfleet’ in?” asked Jake.
“No. Should have been in on the tide this morning, but she did have to go to pick up Victoria and her husband, so ... probably later this evening.”
Jake passed her the telegram.
“Oh! Does this mean...”
“We’ve no idea,” said Jake. “I’d better send a telegram to Lord Kingswood.”
“He’s in London?” Angelica questioned. “So where is Victoria?”
“I’m going to guess that he was called back to London, and left her with the Evanses in Aberystwyth,” Jake replied.
“So she’d be on ‘Moonfleet’?” said Angelica. “And a target for the Fenians?”
“So I would suppose,” said Jake.
Should we do anything about telling Lady Beatrice?”
“No, there is no point in worrying her. When we know something ... Acknowledge the telegram and say we know nothing more.”
Having picked up everyone from ‘Moonfleet’, Captain James turned ‘Firebrand’ for Dublin. At a more economical ten knots she would arrive at about nine o’clock. The passengers and crew from ‘Moonfleet’ were made as comfortable as possible, and a fully restored Victoria was organising hot drinks for them all. The cooks and the captain’s steward were perfectly capable of doing that of course, but Lady Kingswood felt the need to assist. The prisoners had been secured, although two of them had broken arms, and one concussion, so there was little problem there.
“A bad outcome, Captain,” Captain James addressed Fitz.
“It is,” Fitz replied. “Damned fool was trying to reverse his course and come alongside, presumably to board. Made a complete mess of it. When I realised I tried to turn away, but we just didn’t have enough time. Young Mr Smart did very well, sir.”
“He’s a very capable young man,” said Captain James. “The men like him and he gets the best out of them. Well, I suppose I’d better write a report. The admiral will want one as soon as we are in. I think he’d appreciate one from you, although I suppose as a merchant captain you could refuse. There be a Board of Trade inquiry of course.”
“Yes, I have no doubt there will. In the circumstances I don’t see what we could have done differently, but I’m sure someone who wasn’t there will think differently.”
“You may be sure of that, Captain,” affirmed Captain James.
“I’ll certainly write a report, and let the admiral have a copy,” said Fitz.
Fitz spent the rest of the trip back to Dublin writing his report of the incident, and making a copy for Captain James to give to the admiral.
The passengers and crew were provided with breakfast an hour or so before they arrived in Dublin.
“Standard Navy fare, I’m afraid,” Fitz told them. “Now, the company will pay your hotel expenses until we can get you a berth on ‘Aurora’. She should be here tomorrow. It’ll take four or five days before she sails, I should think.”
“Can you tell us more about what happened, Captain?” asked one of the men.
“Our intention was for ‘Firebrand’ to deal with the situation, then we would stop and they could take their men back. As it was they decided to try and board us. That wouldn’t have been a problem because Mr Smart and his men would have dealt with them. If they’d had a competent crew they might have made it. As it was they rammed us. The rest I think you know.”
“I think we should be very grateful that we all survived,” said one of the ladies. “I’m sure that was thanks to you, Captain.”
There was a round of “hear him, hear him!” and a very embarrassed Fitz.
“I assure you that the whole crew and the Navy deserve credit too,” he said.
As soon as HMS ‘Firebrand’ let go her anchor the captain’s gig hit the water and within seconds was heading for the quay nearest to the admiral’s office. Captain James sat in the stern sheets clutching his reports.
The passengers were soon being ferried ashore. Fitz and Victoria walked along the quay on their way first to the telegraph office, and then to the hotel.
“You could have company this evening Fitz,” said Victoria.
“Company?” Fitz queried. “What do you mean?”
“That woman, Mrs Hodges, I think.” Victoria laughed. “Did you not notice the way she was looking at you? Pure hero worship!”
“I shall remember to lock my door tonight!” Fitz grinned.
At the telegraph office Victoria sent a telegram to her husband to tell him that she was well and in Dublin, and Fitz sent a carefully worded telegram to Jake.
Then, having booked into their hotel, Victoria announced that she was off to see Maria.
“Shopping?” said Fitz, “Now? Wouldn’t resting be a better idea.”
“Don’t be silly, Fitz,” Victoria replied sharply. “My wardrobe is at the bottom of the Irish sea, and I have only this old rag to wear. As soon as it is known that Lady Kingswood is here there will be invitations.”
The first invitation arrived within the hour.
In London Lord Kingswood had spent a sleepless night, There was nothing he could do except wait. In Bristol Jake was similarly afflicted, but he had company, both Hermione and Angelica were equally worried.
They all arrived at the office early the next morning. The tide had come and gone, but no ‘Moonfleet’. Then there was the clatter of hooves as a carriage arrived, and within seconds Bea burst into Jake’s office.
“What has happened,” she asked breathlessly.
“We know nothing more than yesterday,” Jake replied. “How did you know there was a problem?”
“I had a telegram from papa.” said Bea. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“There didn’t seem to be any point in worrying you, Bea. All we know is that ‘Moonfleet’ is overdue.”
At that moment there were running footsteps on the stairs and Anthony brought in a telegram. Jake ripped it open and read it aloud.
MOONFLEET LOST STOP VICTORIA SAFE STOP ARRIVING BRISTOL SOONEST STOP KINGSWOOD
“What about Fitz?” wailed Bea. “He’s dead, isn’t he?”
She continued to sob as Hermione hugged her.
“We don’t know that, Bea,” Jake tried to reassure her, although he was desperate for an answer as to what had become of his friend. “Victoria would have been anxious to tell your father that she was safe.”
There was silence in the office except for Bea sobbing.
Again there were running footsteps on the stairs and Anthony burst in with another telegram. Jake ripped this one open and read it aloud again.
MOONFLEET LOST STOP ALL PASSENGERS AND CREW SAFE STOP NOW IN DUBLIN STOP WILL RETURN ON AURORA FITZ
“Thank God for that!” said Hermione.
“Indeed,” said Jake. “Bea, your father will be arriving at Temple Meads within the hour. You have the coach?”
“Yes,” said Bea.
“Will you collect you father? I expect he will want to come here.”
Bea left.
“Better start on the insurance claim,” said Jake to Angelica. “We’ll have to think of a replacement ship too.”
“Jake!” Hermione exclaimed. “That seems a little unfeeling.”
“We know everyone is safe, Hermione. These things need to be done, the business must go on. There are people and goods to be transported and wages to be paid. Life has to go on.”
“Oh! Well I suppose so.”
“I heard there was a new ship nearing completion in Liverpool that the owner has defaulted on,” said Angelica. “John Laird and Sons are building her, and they produce fast vessels.”
“Of course,” said Jake, “the ‘Alabama’,” he paused, “A steamer?” he said, thoughtfully. “About time we changed, I suppose.”
“Yes. Will you make some enquiries?”
“Yes,” said Jake. “Although the insurance won’t cover the cost, but there we are,” he sighed.
Fitz accompanied Victoria to O’Brien’s department store. They asked for Maria who quickly joined them.
“Victoria! It’s lovely to see you, but what are you doing here? And with the handsome Captain Fitz too!”
Victoria gave an abridged version of what had happened.
“So you’re Lady Kingswood now!” Maria did a little curtsey.
“Oh behave yourself, Maria,” Victoria laughed. “Now, I need a reasonable wardrobe to last a few days until we return to Bristol.”
A Navy lieutenant came into the store and approached them. He bowed to the ladies, then turned to Fitz.
“Captain Fitzherbert! Admiral Sir Everett Fox presents his compliments, and would you kindly join him, sir.”
“Of course,” said Fitz. “Victoria, Maria, will you excuse me?”
“The Admiral wished me to extend an invitation to dinner this evening, sir. For you and Lady Kingswood,” he smiled, “and Miss O’Brien of course.”
“Told you, Fitz!” Victoria laughed.
Fitz and the lieutenant left.
Maria looked at Victoria. “He is very handsome, though, isn’t he?”
“I’m a married woman, Maria. I couldn’t possibly comment! Besides, Beatrice has her claws into him!”
“Oh! No, Victoria. I meant Lieutenant Grime. Although Fitz is indeed handsome, but he has a certain melancholy since Mary died.”
“Captain Fitzherbert, good of you to come,” the Admiral greeted Fitz, maintaining the fiction that a merchant skipper really had any choice. “I have read your report of last night’s unfortunate affair. It ties in with both Captain James and Midshipman Smart’s reports. You attach no blame for the outcome to the Navy?”
“No, Sir Everett. I discussed it with Captain James. There was the option of altering course to Dublin. But there could well have been a further attempt when we sailed for Bristol. With ‘Firebrand’ to escort us it seemed the safest thing to do. With luck she would have captured the pirates. In the event had Mr Smart and his party not been with us things would have been much more difficult. The weather was on our side too.”
“Quite so, Captain. I agree it was the correct decision, but whether a Board of Trade enquiry will agree is something else entirely, they view things differently to the Navy, and your previous service might count against you.”
“Yes, you may well be right about that, sir,” Fitz replied thoughtfully. “Still, what is done is done, and if there are consequences, well, we shall see.”
“Quite so, Captain. I have had Captain James’s report copied for you. Young Mr Smart’s too. Not something I’m supposed to do, but in the circumstances ... I hope they will be of assistance,” said the Admiral. “We will see you for dinner this evening, I’ll send my coach for you and Lady Kingswood. Lady Fox would have made my life hell if I hadn’t invited her,” he laughed.
Fitz left and went to find Tom to see that the crew were all provided for. After that a call on the freight handlers was in order.
“When we got to Aberystwyth I checked to see if there were any messages for me, and found an urgent recall to London.”
Bea had returned to Jake’s office with her father who was now explaining what he knew of the trouble.
“I thought Victoria would be fine,” he continued. “She would be picked up in a day or two, and I would meet her back in Bristol. When I eventually got back to my office, and you wouldn’t believe the problems with cancelled trains and connections that didn’t, I found out that we had a spy in our organisation. She, for it was one of the copyists, had passed the information on that I would be travelling back with Victoria on one of the schooners. I immediately telegraphed to try to stop ‘Moonfleet’ sailing. Obviously I was too late. But I also talked to my opposite number at the Admiralty and he telegraphed Dublin to send ‘HMS Firebrand’. Of course we had to hope that she was in port. Fortunately she was, and was able to intercept. But other than all the passengers and crew being saved, that is the sum total of my knowledge at the moment.”
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