“Is that bad?” Mary asked.
Jack nodded. “I had hoped for antiquated muzzle-loaders,” he said. “But with these weapons behind strong walls, Arabi can thumb his nose at even the Royal Navy.”
Mary looked at the massive ironclads in the harbour, with the White Ensign showing proud against the morning sky and the array of powerful guns. “That’s hard to believe,” she said. “The Royal Navy is a fixture. It’s kept the sea lanes safe ever since Trafalgar in 1805.” She shook her head. “I can’t imagine anybody defying the navy.”
“Let’s hope that it doesn’t come to that,” Jack said.
When the launch berthed at the quay, the passengers stepped ashore. As well as Jack and Mary, there was a small group of naval officers, including Lieutenant Balfour, Midshipman May, and a clerk.
“We’ll leave you here
