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G
abe and Markham had each turned eighteen, and both ready to sit for the lieutenant’s exam. They each had birthdays in November—Gabe’s on the thirteenth and Markham’s on the nineteenth. They shared much more than a birth month: mischievous natures. Anthony had been relieved that most of their pranks had been carried out ashore and neither had required discipline from the bosun.

Lady Deborah had decided to give a birthday path for the two “middies.” She had invited every young lady on the island, all of whom showed up for the festivities in their finest attire, each trying to out-do the other for the young gentlemen’s attention. Lieutenant Earl was present also. He and Gabe entertained the young ladies with their musical abilities to the delight of all.

Gabe and Markham had become close friends, and each was well-liked by the other officers under Anthony’s command. The two young gentlemen had grown not only in stature, but as responsible officers as well. It was hard to think of the two as mids, they had matured so much since the commission had started. Anthony was certain both would pass the exam. The only problem was having enough post captains in port at one time to form a board. With the holidays rapidly approaching, surely a couple of ships with post captains would arrive.

Anthony heard the sound of laughter and a feminine giggle. The gentlemen seemed to be well occupied by the flirting young ladies, leaving Anthony with the feeling that the furthest thing on Gabe and Markham’s mind was the lieutenant’s exam.

New Year’s Day in the year of our Lord 1775 found Lady Deborah a guest aboard
Drakkar,
along with Commodore Gardner and his wife, Greta. Also on board for the festivities were Captain Swift and Captain Meade. Captain Swift was in command of HMS
Roebuck,
a new forty-four-gun frigate that was barely a year old. Captain Meade commanded the
Magic
frigate of thirty-two guns. Both were on convoy duty from Portsmouth. Anthony was very excited that the two captains were on station. It would probably take weeks for the convoy to be assembled for the trip back to England. During that time, with Commodore Gardner’s help, a board could be convened for the lieutenant’s exam.

After completing one of the finest meals Silas had ever prepared, cigars were passed around, and those who preferred pipes lit them. Lady Deborah and Greta excused themselves to the upper deck where Lieutenant Earl and Gabe were entertaining the crew with their music during this festive time. A few of the crew joined in the merriment. Bart carried chairs up for the ladies. A warm greeting to the men by the ladies and a sharp scowl from Bart ensured there would be no profane language or vulgar comments while the ladies were on deck. Meanwhile, back in Anthony’s quarters, Silas was pouring claret for everyone. When glasses were filled, Anthony broached the subject of an examination board, he was somewhat surprised at how quickly the captains agreed to convene a board. It appeared both captains had mids that were ready for the exam. In fact, Captain Meade had two. “One’s past his prime and the other is just now ripe,” he explained.

Upon the approval of Commodore Gardner, as senior naval officer of Antigua, a board was scheduled for the lieutenant’s exam to be held the following Wednesday. That would be the first Wednesday of the
month. As luck would have it, two brigs, a sloop of war, and a frigate all dropped anchor within the next few days. The frigate was a captured French ship, the
Tyger.
She was small—a sixth rate, but was commanded by a post captain. This resulted in there now being three post captains in port to sit on the board with Commodore Gardner as the President.

Gabe and Markham had been told the board was being convened, so they busied themselves getting all their papers together and going over some last minute questions with the master. Only a week ago there had been just a handful of midshipmen on the island. Thus Gabe and Markham had been somewhat in demand in regards to the island’s social scene. Both young gentlemen were at the top of the list to receive invitations from various young ladies The two had basked in their celebrity but now there seemed to be midshipmen everywhere. All were acting important.

“The only good thing about all these shit souled younkers coining out of the woodwork, is that the board is bound to recognize the only two real seamen in the lot,” offered Markham.

“Aye,” Gabe answered. “But if the little turds anger the board, it will go hard on us all.”

Markham nodded, seeing the logic in Gabe’s comments. “Well, if they do I’ll keelhaul me a little bastard and that’s no idle promise.”

Gabe couldn’t help but laugh, such was the vehemence in his friend’s comments. “Let’s go have a wet and cool your humors.”

***

“It’s a shit pot load,” Markham exclaimed to Gabe as they approached Government house for the
lieutenant’s exam. A large group had already gathered. Some were in little two or three men groups with texts and asking each other questions. Others were nervously pacing, and one was obviously the worse for drink. Once, when a question was being asked in one of the little groups, Gabe and Markham overheard both the question and answer. Looking to his friend, Gabe declared, “I knew that”—to which Markham replied somewhat sarcastically, “Of course,” not trying to hide his disbelief. Gabe counted thirteen mids for the exam. Thirteen!

“Damn, there’s thirteen of us,” Gabe told Markham. “Why couldn’t it have been twelve or fourteen?” Gabe had never been superstitious, but this just seemed an omen.

At 8 A.M., a stooped, gray-haired little clerk from the commodore’s staff opened the front door. A hush fell over the group of assembled young gentlemen. Gabe began to feel more nervous. What if he failed? He didn’t want to let his brother down, or his dead father for that matter. “What’d you expect from the bastard?” some would say. His stomach growled and he felt Markham punch him. The punch broke Gabe’s train of thought, and he realized the clerk was speaking.

“Now, young sirs, make sure you have all your documents and bonifides ready and in good order. There’s no time to return to your ship to fetch some certificates left behind.” The clerk sounded like a schoolteacher. “Now, sirs, so as to maintain proper discipline and good order, we will proceed according to the alphabet.”

Gabe turned to Markham and said “Hell’s fire.” As Gabe turned away Markham pleaded, “Don’t make ‘em mad, Gabe, don’t anger ‘em, please.”

When Gabe entered the boardroom the commodore greeted him. “Ah, Mr. Anthony, your packet please.”

Absently, Anthony handed his packet to the captain sitting by the commodore. There was a single chair sitting in front of the long table where the examining board was seated.

“Would you care to sit down, sir?”

“Oh, no sir,” Gabe responded,
trying to

focus—trying to get his senses about him.

“Mr. Anthony, let me introduce you to the board,”

said the commodore. At the far end of the table on my

left is Captain Williams from
Tyger,
next is
Captain

Meade of
Magic,
and to
my right is Captain Swift of

Roebuck.”
Each officer had nodded his greeting.

Captain Swift started things off. “I see you’ve seen

considerable action for one so young. I also see your

father was an admiral, and your brother has raised his

broad pendant!”

“Yes sir,” Gabe stoically replied.

“Do you expect any favors from this board because

of your relations being senior officers?”

“No sir!”

“Good,” replied Swift in a harsh voice, “‘Cause

there’ll be none.”

Oh, shit,
thought Gabe.

Next Captain Meade said, “Tell me about some of

those actions against the pirates you encountered.”

After telling of the actions with the pirates, and the

prizes that they had taken, Gabe started to relax. He

was asked a few questions about strategy and what he’d

change if given the opportunity. Gabe was gaining

confidence when the commodore announced, “Well,

enough of that, let’s proceed.”

Gabe felt the wind sucked from his sails. Each

captain seemed to have his own little pet niche and

Gabe was bombarded with questions regarding these

particular niches. He was sweating, feeling thirsty and

somewhat dizzy when the commodore said, “I’ve no

further questions.”

At first, Gabe didn’t
comprehend the commodore’s

comment. His eyes were stinging from sweat dripping in

them. His shirt was damp and clung to him from the

perspiration, but he managed to find a dry spot on the

cuff and wipe his eyes. The commodore was in counsel

with the captains. When he turned around, he stuck out

his hand to Gabe.

“I’m pleased to announce that it’s the opinion of this board that you’ve shown the knowledge, leadership, and competency expected. Therefore, you have been passed for lieutenancy.”

A sigh of relief escaped Gabe. Captain Swift, who was now smiling for the first time, shook Gabe’s hand then stated, “Now, run tell your brother the good news.”

“Thank you, sir. Thank all of you,” Gabe replied excitedly.

***

Markham was waiting when Gabe came out. “You didn’t bugger it for us, did you?” Ignoring Markham’s comments, Gabe blurted out, “I passed, I bloody passed!” Several of the waiting mids glared at Gabe. He didn’t care. He’d passed!

“Damn,” Markham said smiling. He was happy for his friend. “You were in there forever. How was it?”

“Hush,” the clerk scolded. “Be off with you.”

“Gotta go,” Gabe told
Markham. “We’ll meet later.”

D
agan and Bart were at the jetty waiting when Gabe arrived. “I passed!” Gabe shouted jubilantly.

“He don’t look like no ‘ossifer to me,” joked Bart.

“Iffen he is, he’s poorly dressed,” Dagan added then asked, ‘‘Did they dunk you boy? You look fairly drenched.’’ Gabe ignored the two and made his way into the boat.

Bart then turned to the boatmen. “Look alive, we got us a new officer.”

Several of the men smiled and a few snickered good
naturedly as the boat cast off from the jetty.

“Have ‘is own ship soon, like as not,” volunteered Dawkins, the old seaman who Gabe had saved from having his leg crushed in a gun drill those months ago. “I’d serve ‘im, I would,” he said, and all agreed with he old salt’s sentiment.

As the ship’s boat approached
Drakkar
, the sentry called out, “Boat ahoy!’’

“Aye, aye.” Bart’s repy to the challenge said it all. An officer had returned to come aboard his ship.

Anthony and Buck were waiting for Gabe at the quarterdeck. After congratulations were given, Anthony looked at his brother and was proud of what he saw.

“Let’s go down to my cabin for a refreshment,” Anthony said, putting his arm across his brother’s shoulder as they went down to his quarters.

Upon entering the cabin, Anthony called to Silas, “Fetch us a bottle of hock then be off with you.” When Silas left, Anthony looked at Gabe and said, “Father would have been proud of you, as I am. Now tell me about it.”

Markham returned an hour or so later in a jubilant mood. He too had passed and was heartily congratulated as Gabe had been. Anthony planned a dinner that evening to celebrate Gabe and Markham’s passing the lieutenant’s exam. All the officers in Anthony’s squadron were invited. Gabe and Markham were both very pleased that the commodore was honoring them. However, the celebration was for passing the exam only. That was only the first part. They still had to receive their commissions. Until that time they were still midshipmen. Buck called to the two as Gabe and Markham were heading to change into their work uniforms.

“I hear that of the thirteen mids who went before the hoard only six were passed.” This was news to the young gentlemen.

“Less than half,” Markham stated.

“Aye,” Gabe answered but added, “That means less competition for any available commissions.”

As the two departed
Drakkar
for
LeFoxxe
and
LeCroix,
Gabe recalled Captain Swift’s remarks about special consideration being given due to who his relatives were. The good captain could say publicly what was politically correct. In Gabe’s mind he was sure connection played a big part in promotions. He hoped a deserving candidate was not passed over just so somebody’s lackey could be promoted. Gabe was sure of his own abilities, but couldn’t help but think of Witzenfeld. Witz should never have been made lieutenant. Witzenfelds’s promotion was proof he had patronage and special interest at some high level. Would his past difficulties with “Witz” come to haunt him at some point in the future? “I shall keep a weather eye,” Gabe promised himself.

Suddenly, Gabe felt a swat to the back of his head. Turning quickly, he faced Markham—who had his hat in his hand.

“You ain’t been listening to a word I have said, have you?” Markham asked.

Realizing he’d tuned Markham out, but not wanting to be rude to his friend, Gabe replied. ‘‘I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“Huh,’’ snorted Markham. ‘‘I was saying, I bet that snot-nosed, carrot-headed shit on Commodore Gardner’s staff is sure to get a commission while his betters have to wait.”

Gabe had to laugh. Markham was never one to hide his feelings. His particular dislike of the of the young gentleman in question had more to do with his being more readily available to entertain a certain young lady. Carrot-head’s assignment to the dockyard meant most nights free, while Markham was frequently at sea for days on end.

***

The dinner that night was a feast. Plenty of good-natured ribbing went on and toasts were made. As the evening drew to a close, Anthony stood and tapped on a wine glass to quiet the officers before him. Once he had their attention, he called to the first lieutenant. ‘‘Mr. Buck, did you not tell me we had some important news arrive this evening that will certainly affect the daily operation of
Drakkar
?”

“Aye sir, that’s true, it is,” replied Buck. ‘‘The guard boat has brought us these two letters I hold in my hand. One is addressed to Lieutenant Gabriel Anthony, Esquire; and the other is to Lieutenant Frances Markham, Esquire. Now unless I’m mistaken, I’d bet
these official-looking packets are commissions.” When Buck handed the “Lieutenants” their commissions Anthony stood again.

“Gentlemen, a toast to our two new lieutenants.” This started the merriment all over again.

Dagan, Bart, and the bosun were all standing aft enjoying their pipes and a wee touch of rum themselves.

“Sounds like a proper wetting down, don’t it?” the bosun said, commenting on the noise coming through the open transom windows and the skylight.

“Aye,” Dagan responded. “Think of all the

pounding heads tomorrow.”

“Sure nuff,” Bart
agreed. “Likely we’ll have to see

things are done proper till noon. I can’t see any of them

being clear-headed before then.”

“Aye,” they all agreed, then turned their attention

to the rum at hand.

***

With the holidays ending, the pirates started

attacking more frequently. Ships were looted and then

destroyed with only a rare survivor to tell the tale. More

often it was a piece of wreckage or flotsam that told the

story. Thus far
there had been no captives held for

ransom. This lone fact made Anthony suspicious.

Typically, pirates would be more than willing to hold a

captive for ransom if there were any money to be had.

There had to be political connections, else why turn

down sure money? The pirates were not fools. There

had to be a reason why no one had been offered up for

ransom. And, if not political subterfuge, then what?

One night when he and Lady Deborah were having

a quiet meal with Commodore Gardner, he broached

the subject. He had waited until the ladies had excused

themselves. As the two men lit up their pipes and

enjoyed a snifter of brandy, Anthony casually asked,

“Ever hear of any ransom demands?”

“Why no, I haven’t,” answered Gardner. “And

there’s plenty been taken who could and would have

paid a handsome sum for their freedom.”

Anthony nodded, “That’s what I’ve been thinking.

So, do you think someone is giving the pirates ‘head

money’ to make up for lost ransom? If head money is

being given, it would take deep pockets.”

“Aye,” Gardner replied. “Such as a national treasury.”

That night as lady Deborah drew Anthony to her she stated, “I heard part of your conversation with Commodore Gardner.”

“I’m sorry,’’ he replied. “I didn’t want you to be troubled with such.”

“Oh, I won’t be, my love,” she answered. “It just makes me more thankful you came along when you did.”

“Hmm,” said Anthony, a smile breaking out on his face. Just how thankful?”

“I’ll show you,” she replied, letting her shawl drop. “Shut the door.”