2 June; Bit of wind

"Good." Leat allowed the boy to re-establish his center of balance before letting him go. "Get along forrard with you, then. And watch your step!"

"Aye, aye, sir," he managed, wondering a little at Mister Leat's tone. He hadn't sounded angry, not really. he touched his hat and turned to scramble for'rard, hoping not to come under Mister Leat's scrutiny again any time soon.

Leat watched the boy go, then turned his attention once more to the ship as it moved beneath his feet.

"Helm another point to larboard!" he called out.

"Another point to larboard it is, sir!" Tide replied. He and Wise eased the wheel over and there held it, both of them squinting upward against the wind and dash of rain to study the set of the sails.

The squall was not getting any worse. That, Leat supposed, was a blessing; but then it was not exactly getting any easier. He heard the ship's bell sound and unconsciously counted the number of strikes. Another hour of this, and then it would be Tadcock's turn for a dousing, as the lieutenant doubted the squall would have blown itself out by the change of the watch.

The thought of the warm and comparatively dry wardroom was suddenly most appealing, and what, Leat thought, he wouldn't give to be down there at this moment in time.