Chapter Six

A warm breeze gently tugged at the sails of Indefatigable as she plowed through the sea, trailing a wake of clear water behind her. The sun, already brilliant in the azure sky, painted rainbows on the waves beneath her, while white cotton clouds were mimicked by the soft white crests of the ocean. A perfect, flawless day, thought Captain Pellew as he arrived topside. Perhaps it is a good omen.

He stood on his quarterdeck, observing the men as they went about their duties. They were a fine crew, the best in the fleet in his opinion, and he was very proud of them. Oh, there were a few he would like to heave overboard, especially those ruffians Malley and Fuller, but overall, they were hard working and honest. The best of the best. His eyes sought out young Kennedy, who was at the moment inspecting the starboard carronade's moorings, and he remained still as he watched the lad. Though he would admit it to no one, he had been thrilled at Hornblower's suggestion that Archie be tested as to his shipboard knowledge, that there was a way of keeping the lad aboard the Indy. Despite the rest of the debacle at Muzillac, he had been encouraged by one thing - a report he had heard of Kennedy's heroic dash across the bridge to rescue his officer. That was the kind of man the Navy needed, and Pellew had been pleasantly surprised that it had been Kennedy who had acted in such a manner. It had only been a matter of months ago that they had finally left that wretched place, and he had continued to watch his new acting lieutenant closely. Archie had not disappointed him. Although he was not the natural leader and seaman that Hornblower was, he still shone with a great deal of promise. If that promise were to be lost, it would be a damn shame, thought Pellew, not for the first time. And now it was time to find out.

"Mr. Kennedy," he called, and Archie looked up from the gun, then made his way across the deck, stopping in front of Pellew.

"Aye, sir?" he said, tendering a smart salute.

"It is time for your examination, sir. Are you ready?"

"Indeed I am, sir," said Archie, and Pellew was taken slightly aback by the sound of pure confidence in his voice. This was not the sometimes-tentative midshipman he had known.

"Very well. We shall begin with a reading of the signals. Mr. Bowles, if you will present the flags to Mr. Kennedy."

Bowles nodded, and Archie's testing began. Beginning aft, he was asked to identify every little item they came across, and had to give a complete description of the function of each line and every piece of equipment. The captain was merciless in his questioning, allowing very little time for Archie to formulate his answer.

For his part, Archie didn't need time. The answers flowed from him, and he could feel his confidence growing with every response. Not once did he falter. A feeling of calm settled over him as they went along. It didn't matter if he didn't know his past - he knew his ship, and that was all that was necessary for him to be a member of her crew. The dons and the frogs would not care about his previous life, but they would care if he knew how to properly fire a gun at them.

Horatio, though not on watch, still found a reason to be up on deck for Archie's exam, thinking that maybe if his friend had problems, he would somehow be able to encourage him, without the captain noticing. However, it was appearing that Archie needed help from no one, for he was doing quite well on his own. Horatio caught the eye of Lieutenant Bracegirdle - who had also managed to find some reason to be up on deck at this time - across the deck, and they both grinned at each other. Archie was doing splendidly.

"So, Mr. Kennedy," the captain said. "Suppose you were to carry away your bowsprit, what would you do?"

Archie's voice carried clearly to Horatio as he answered. "First, I would immediately veer ship to keep her before the wind, and to protect the fore-mast, I would carry forward the fore-runners and tackles, and bowse them well taut, until I can get sufficient rope or a hawser, and then I would tighten it round the mast-head, and secure it to the bits of the forecastle or the cat-heads. After that, I would find the best spar on board, and rig up a bowsprit from that."

Pellew nodded, pleased at the answer. Succinct, to the point, and absolutely correct. Of course, any midshipman with experience would know that, but it was encouraging that it appeared Kennedy had no hesitation in forming his answer. A good lieutenant must be able to think on his feet, no matter what was going on around him, no matter how crazy things got on deck.

"Well done, sir. Now, you are going large and see a ship in the wind's eye - how will you proceed to chase her?"

Archie grinned. "Chasing her is what it's all about, sir." He caught Horatio's eye across the deck and winked at him. Horatio colored slightly, realizing that Archie was not really talking about the enemy ship, but was instead referring to their earlier conversation about mermaids and young ladies and their petticoats. He frowned back at his friend, but Archie had turned back to Pellew to give his answer.

"I will turn all hands up, get my tacks on board, brace up my yards and haul aft the sheets; haul the bow-lines, set the jib and stay-sails, keep her full, and by making short boards and turn directly to windward, which will prevent her putting away large. After that, sir, she is mine."

"So certain are you, Mr. Kennedy," said Pellew dryly. "She'll not give up without a fight, you realize."

"No, sir," said Archie. "But we all know that there is no power on earth that can withstand the might of the British Navy."

Pellew was slightly taken aback. He'd used those words himself once upon a time, and if he remembered correctly, it had been the day Kennedy came aboard Indefatigable. Did the boy remember that, or was it merely a coincidence? He studied Archie, but the lad merely looked back at him with calm assurance, and no hint that he'd remembered the previous time he had heard that particular phrase, and Pellew thought disappointedly that it was not an indication of his memory returning. Clasping his hands behind his back, he began to walk forward. Archie followed him.

"And now, sir, you are standing on a wind with all your sails set; your enemy is in sight, standing towards you, how do you clear your ship for action?"

"I will call all hands to quarters, up hammocks, the quartermasters to stow them in the netting, and on the gang-way; get the topmen's hammocks up in the top; down all chests in the hold; quartermasters stow them; take it in all the small sails; sling the lower yard with top-chains, then sling the top-sail yards half mast or close up; stopper the top-sail sheets, stoppers on the jeers, or else rack them; gunners get the match-tubs between every two guns, matches, powder-horns, and handspikes, sufficient for every gun; all hands to quarters, keep silence and mind the word of command, fire not a gun until the word of command is given. Now I have all the three masts in one, so the order is given to fire."

Again Pellew nodded. "Very good, Mr. Kennedy. Shall we now proceed to the lines?"

Horatio watched as the two men moved off, and he allowed himself a small smile. He was well pleased with how well Archie was doing, and he had no doubt that the captain was, too. Archie was completely at ease. Realizing that his friend did not need him lurking around, he went below.

Afternoon fell to evening, and still the captain continued his questioning. Neither man showed any signs of weariness - in fact, Archie appeared energized by the whole affair. Mr. Bowles left the two of them to go have dinner, but Archie and the captain continued on, the captain now presenting varying seagoing scenarios and dilemmas to Archie, and Archie responding with enthusiasm, explaining what he would do in each situation, and why he would do it. Horatio, who had long ago retired belowdecks to rest, was surprised to see them still at it when he appeared for his watch.

The captain noticed Horatio standing there, and a surprised look appeared on his face. He glanced up at the sun, then pulled his pocket watch out and studied it. He said something to Archie, who nodded, threw him a salute, and disappeared belowdecks. Horatio moved to meet the captain.

"Good evening, sir," he said.

"And to you, Mr. Hornblower," answered the captain. "I did not know it was so late. It appears time has gotten away from me this afternoon."

"Mr. Kennedy's exam is going well, then, sir?"

A small grin touched Pellew's lips. "It is indeed, Mr. Hornblower. I must thank you for suggesting the idea."

Horatio inclined his head, pleased at the acknowledgement. "It was for the good of the ship, sir."

"Yes, of course," said Pellew dryly. "But it is not yet over."

"No, sir?" said Horatio, surprised.

"No, indeed," responded the captain. "Mr. Kennedy has gone below to wash for dinner, and he and I will continue this testing over dinner in my cabin. Tomorrow, we shall begin on the guns."

"Aye, sir," said Horatio slowly, and Pellew left his side to retire to his cabin for dinner. Horatio stood, his gaze fixed on the railing beside him, not even noticing Lieutenant Bracegirdle appearing beside him.

"It seems to be going well," said Bracegirdle easily, and Horatio started a bit, and then returned to his contemplation of the railing.

"Yes, sir, it does."

Bracegirdle fought back a small smile. He knew what was going on in Hornblower's mind at this moment, and he couldn't resist a little prod.

"So," he said, "the captain has invited Mr. Kennedy for a private dinner. That is a rarity."

"Indeed it is, sir," Horatio answered, still staring at the railing.

"It's usually only for a very special occasion," Bracegirdle continued on, twisting the knife just a little. "He must be quite pleased with Mr. Kennedy's progress."

"Yes, I'm certain he is," Horatio answered, his voice empty.

Bracegirdle fought back another smile, and looked directly at Horatio. "I don't seem to remember you ever being invited to the captain's quarters for a private meal."

"No," Horatio said mournfully, then caught himself and returned Bracegirdle's look. "It is simply because the captain wishes to continue quizzing Mr. Kennedy."

"Oh," said Bracegirdle, feigning surprise. "Then you do not think Mr. Kennedy worthy of the captain's attention."

"I did not say that," Horatio responded quickly. "That is not at all what I meant."

"What did you mean, then?"

"I meant nothing, sir. Only that the exam seemed to be going so well that they simply wished to continue it over dinner."

"Ah," said Bracegirdle knowingly. "Then you are not jealous of the captain's attention to Mr. Kennedy?"

"Indeed I am not, sir," Horatio said resentfully. "I am pleased for Mr. Kennedy."

Bracegirdle laughed aloud at the look on Horatio's face, and the junior officer flushed. Oh why did he never know when someone was jesting with him? It was infuriating, never knowing when they were serious and when they weren't. Archie and Lieutenant Bracegirdle were the absolute worst culprits, though Archie had not been so much since he had lost his memory. At least one good thing came out of this whole mess, Horatio thought blackly. Archie is not yet comfortable enough with me to tease and torment me. Maybe it's best if he never recovers his memory.

**********

Archie's exam continued the next morning, and all through the day. Horatio was disappointed that he had not been able to talk to his friend the previous evening, but it had been very late when Archie returned to his quarters, and he had immediately doused his light, so Horatio, who had been waiting for his return, assumed the day had finally caught up with Archie and he needed his rest, so he had blown out his own candle and gone to sleep.

"Good morning, Mr. Hornblower," Archie greeted him with a huge smile as Horatio came above decks. "Did you rest well, sir?"

Horatio had to smile at Archie's infectious grin. "Not as well as you, apparently, Mr. Kennedy. You seem to be in a fine mood this morning."

"Oh, I believe I am," Archie answered. "Ah, Mr. Hornblower, it went so well yesterday with my examination. The captain told me over dinner that he was very pleased with what had transpired during the day, and he has every confidence that I will be allowed to stay aboard the Indy."

"And is that truly what you want, Mr. Kennedy?" Horatio asked, trying hard to keep the pettiness from his tone. What was going on with him? Was he honestly jealous of Archie, as Lieutenant Bracegirdle had jokingly suggested? Did he resent the captain's special attention to him?

"Of course it is," Archie responded, puzzled. "Have I ever said anything else?"

"Yes, you have," Horatio replied. "Something about the quality of the food."

"Oh, that," laughed Archie. "Surely you know I was jesting, even though that white fluff was quite awful. But the meal we had last night, Mr. Hornblower! Beef so tender you scarce needed a knife to carve it. It was amazing."

Well, thought Horatio peevishly. Archie and the captain dine on fine beef, while we have mutton and rum. Why is this image of Bunting now in my head? Oh, for heavens' sake, that's enough, he admonished himself sternly. The captain has released food from the stores, because we are returning home much sooner than expected, and as captain, he is certainly entitled to the best of it. What is wrong with me?

"And if the captain is pleased with how I do today, when he tests me on the guns and belowdecks, and he puts forth several navigational problems, then he has promised that we will celebrate with another fine meal, and the best port he has aboard." Archie could barely contain the excitement in his voice.

"So. The testing will be done today, then?" Horatio said, pushing his thoughts away from the image of Archie and the captain alone in the cabin, toasting to the king.

"If all goes well," Archie answered. "And I have no reason to think it will not."

Horatio smiled at him, all feeling of jealousy fading away. This was his best friend here, and he really was pleased that things were going so well for him. Archie had had enough bad breaks in his life - he deserved a few good ones.

"I am very happy for you, Archie," he said, lowering his voice so the men would not hear the familiarity. "I am pleased that we will still be able to serve together, that the Indy shall not lose one of her finest."

"As am I, Mr. Hornblower," Archie said, grinning at him. "I find that I have come to enjoy your company immensely."

Touched, Horatio could only nod for a moment. "I am glad to hear that, Mr. Kennedy. If I may, I have a suggestion."

"Suggest away," Archie said breezily. "I feel on top of the world right now."

"I thought, that once we reach Portsmouth, we could perhaps go ashore together, and I could reintroduce you to places that are familiar to you, places we have been to together. Perhaps it will help you to remember more."

"A fine idea, Mr. Hornblower," Archie said with gusto. "I imagine that Indefatigable will have to remain there for at least a week while repairs are being done, so we should both be able to take shore leave at the same time. I look forward to it."

"As do I, Mr. Kennedy," Horatio said warmly. "We have spent many a shore leave together there - certainly something will be familiar to you. We shall stay at the inn we always do, and dine in the same places, and visit that blasted bookshop you are so enamored of."

"Bookshop? Is there not some other place we go to have fun? Perhaps meet some fine young ladies for entertainment?"

Horatio blushed. "I thought the bookshop would be best. You really do have a voracious appetite for reading, Mr. Kennedy."

"Hmm," grumbled Archie. "I have a voracious appetite for something, all right, but it certainly does not involve books!"

Horatio looked askance at his friend. Archie was no innocent, certainly, but he rarely sought out the 'companionship' of women while ashore, for the encounters often brought back unhappy memories of his abuse at the hands of Jack Simpson. Horatio never visited any of the ladies, either, being much too shy and awkward around the female of the species, so the two of them had often spent all of their time ashore together. It had always been enough for the two of them, and Horatio felt a pang of sadness that it appeared it was no longer so for Archie.

"Mr. Kennedy," came Captain Pellew's voice from behind them. Both men straightened up and turned to face their captain, just arrived on deck.

"Captain Pellew, sir," Archie said easily. Horatio nodded.

"Good morning, gentlemen," said Pellew in a businesslike tone. "I trust you are ready for your examination to begin, Mr. Kennedy?"

"Aye, sir," answered Archie, his whole being radiating confidence. "Whenever you are, captain."

"Very well, we shall begin with a series of navigational questions that Mr. Bowles and I have prepared. Shall we?" He gestured forward, and Archie nodded and turned to go, after flashing Horatio a quick smile.

"Mr. Kennedy," Horatio couldn't resist. "Please be certain you do not send our ship to central Africa. The sources of the Nile have already been discovered." His grin at his own joke faded as both men looked at him blankly, and his face colored. This was why he never told a joke. He simply did not have the capability to do it correctly.

"Yes, of course, Mr. Hornblower," Archie responded, looking at him curiously. "I shall keep that in mind." He and Pellew exchanged puzzled glances, then left Horatio standing there, his face blazing with embarrassment. Good god. Pellew hadn't been there when that exchange had taken place, and Archie didn't remember anything about Justinian. How did he manage to keep humiliating himself in front of his captain? Shaking his head, Horatio turned his attention back to the deck. It was best that he stick to something he was good at - sailing - and leave the joke-telling to those who could actually do it.

*****

Archie's answers to Captain Pellew's questions are taken from "Examination of a young officer, The New Practical Navigator" (1814)