“We’ll have to silence that fort before we take the island,” Hervey said. “Captain Maxwell has given me notice of the depth of water, so you inform me of the defences.” He listened as Kennedy gave his opinion.
“Good,” Hervey said. “Now, I’ll go and see for myself. Maxwell, return to Dolphin and await my instructions. You Rangers can accompany Maxwell. I don’t suppose either of you speaks French, do you?”
“I have a little, sir, and Sergeant MacKim is fluent,” Kennedy reported.
“Is he, indeed?” Hervey raised a neatly manicured eyebrow. “You can come with me, Sergeant MacKim.” He gave a boyish grin. “Wait here.”
“Come along, Captain Kennedy,” Maxwell and Kennedy returned to the gig, leaving MacKim on Dragon’s quarterdeck as Hervey disappeared below. Within a few moments, he came back, dre
