Aboard “La Confiance”, Bay of Bengal, 15th of Vendémiaire, year IX (Wednesday 7th October 1800, old style) “On deck, there!” hailed the foremast lookout in an excited voice. “Hallo?” replied the master’s mate of the fo’c’sle, looking upwards. “Sail ho! A...
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Aboard “La Confiance”, Bay of Bengal, 15th of Vendémiaire, year IX (Wednesday 7th October 1800, old style) “On deck, there!” hailed the foremast lookout in an excited voice. “Hallo?” replied the master’s mate of the fo’c’sle, looking upwards. “Sail ho! A ship!” “Where away?” “To leeward, over the port cathead, almost in the sun!” Lieutenant Drieux, Surcouf’s first officer, and officer of the watch this morning, gestured to a sailor to go and find the captain in his cabin. Too late; he was already emerging briskly onto the poop deck. Did the man never sleep? “What course is she steering?” continued the master’s mate. “North!” answered the lookout. “She’s heading for Calcutta”, commented Drieux as he handed Robert the telescope used by the officer of the watch. “Is she big?” asked the master’s mate. “Take a good look before you answer!” “Very big!” “So much the better!” muttered the steersman from behind the helm, rolling his quid from one cheek to the other. “More prize money.” Without
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