Chapter 103, "Triton" - 2,264 words, finished. This brings the manuscript up to 213,819 words, 602 pages. Excerpt: “Right,” Wedgeborough smirked, scratching his nose. “Well, their next best option is to try to reach the west coast of India and sell the ship to Tipu Sultan, who might just be tempted to buy it, outright.” “Sir, would that not be an act of war against the Company?” Henry asked, surprised. “I take it you’ve not heard the latest news?” The lieutenant’s face was rather grave. “Tipu has attacked our ally, the Rajah of Travancore. For all I know, war has already been declared. Out here, relying on rumours passed on by native merchants and country traders, ʼtis hard to know what’s afoot. But until I hear – officially – that we’re not at war with Mysore, I’ll not approach any of Tipu’s vessels without our guns run out.” “Have they any other options?” “The Maratha pirates have been at it again, but they’re preying on native vessels and the odd Portuguese ship, leaving ours alone. In any event, they’d have no use for an East Indiaman.” “Sir,” Henry said, “the ship itself is old and used up – in any event, not as important or as valuable as what’s in it – enough naval stores to equip a small fleet, enough arms and ammunition for a small army, and a number of passengers, including several prominent ladies. And three hundred thousand pounds in gold.”
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 03:04:46 +0000
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