15
The frigate approached from the south, with the Union flag claiming British identity. Aware that unscrupulous seamen could raise any flag that suited them, Maxwell kept Dolphin’s distance and ordered the hands to the guns.
“Does anybody recognise that vessel?” Maxwell asked.
“Yes, sir,” Lieutenant Holmes said, focussing his telescope. “She’s Narcissus, sir. One of ours, sir.”
“Very well,” Maxwell said. “Order the men at the guns to stand down.”
“She’s summoning you on board, sir.”
MacKim watched as Maxwell’s gig crossed to the frigate, and Maxwell climbed onto her deck. The crew of Dolphin waited in the heat, with the green island of Grenada to larboard and the sails of other ships gradually drawing closer.
After fifteen minutes, the gig returned, with Maxwell looking strained. “
