26th May, Morning - The Great Cabin

"I believe they have, Mr. Leat. If there is nothing more that should be said about Perry's wife and her antics, then there is nothing more I need to know. So if you have no further information about that to offer, then you may all go."

Bolitho knew there had obviously been more to the evening's excursion than just their interaction with her. For one thing, Leat could not have gotten a black eye from talking. But as long as they had not been up to anything completely out of line--and he assumed not--then there was no need for him to pry further.

"Aye sir," Cartwright said, and stepped back to open the cabin door for the two senior officers.

"Aye, sir. Thank you, sir."

"Aye sir," Bush nodded.

"Although, if you do not mind us inquiring, sir," Leat said, hesitating, just as he and the other were turning to go. "do you have it in mind to punish Perry for antics? It would be helpful to know how long we are to keep him in irons. The men will be wondering at the incident as much as we are."

"Yes Mr. Leat, I do plan to punish him." Bolitho was not about to let Perry off after such a display. It did not warrant a harsh punishment, but disciplinary action was certainly in order. "Though I cannot say for certain how long he is to stay in irons. I would like him to think about it for a while before he is punished."

Leat nodded his understanding.

"Very good, sir."

Then made his obedience and left the cabin.