## Chapter 101: The Beggar’s Gambit!
“Arthur? Is that really you?”
Elder stared at Arthur, his face a mix of surprise and recognition. He rummaged through his pockets for a moment before pulling out a sheet of paper with a wide grin. “I almost forgot to give you this. Here, the list of merchant ships that have left London for North America and France in the past few weeks. It took me ages to compile.”
Arthur had simply wanted a ride out to sea, but this unexpected gift from Elder was a welcome surprise. He quickly scanned the list, flipping it to the section for yesterday’s departures.
There were many ships leaving London daily, but only one matched the time and route he was looking for. The “Blackthorn” had departed at 10:30 last night, heading from London to Calais, then to Santo Domingo in the West Indies, and finally to Boston, USA.
Arthur glanced at his watch. It was 4:55 AM, almost six and a half hours since Fred had left. “How long does it take a normal merchant ship to sail from London to Calais?” he asked urgently.
Elder scratched his head. “From London to Calais, they usually take the Thames route, passing through Dartford, Margate, Dover, and then through the Straits of Dover. Considering the recent seasonal winds, it might take a normal merchant ship a full day.”
“What about the Beggar?” Arthur pressed.
Elder’s face lit up at the mention of the Beggar. “You’re asking the right person! Since the Beggar was refurbished, she can reach a speed of 12 knots under full sail and favorable winds. If we’re going to Calais, we can make it in half a day.”
Arthur couldn’t wait any longer. He grabbed Elder by the collar and dragged him towards the ship’s gangway. “We haven’t got time for explanations, is Colonel Fitzroy onboard? I need to see him immediately!”
“What’s gotten into you, Arthur? You don’t want to work at Scotland Yard anymore? But Colonel Fitzroy already turned you down. The naturalist’s position is filled by Charles now. If you really want a job, we’re still short on someone to maintain the instruments. I can ask around…”
Before Elder could finish his sentence, Colonel Fitzroy emerged from the ship’s cabin. He adjusted his belt and looked up, spotting Arthur. “Oh, I remember you, young man. The one who served in the Army.”
Arthur saluted the Colonel. “Colonel Fitzroy, sir! I have an urgent matter to report!”
Fitzroy frowned. “What is it? I’m a naval captain, I don’t deal with Army matters.”
“This has nothing to do with the Navy or the Army, sir. I’ve just received intelligence that a merchant ship carrying individuals guilty of treason is sailing towards France. We’ve been ordered to intercept the ship at all costs.
However, ship mobilization takes time. I remembered that Elder was going out for sea training today, so I came to the docks to try my luck. And as fate would have it, I’ve found you. Please order a change in the sea training schedule, to pursue the merchant ship ‘Blackthorn’.”
Fitzroy’s expression turned serious. “Young man, do you have a warrant from the Admiralty?”
Arthur shook his head. “The situation is urgent, the Admiralty warrant is still being processed.”
Fitzroy shook his head. “I’m sorry, without a written document from the Admiralty, I have no authority to alter the training schedule. You’ve served in the Army, you should know that soldiers must obey orders.
Besides, the Beggar’s situation is special. We only take orders from the Naval Headquarters. Even other fleet commanders have no right to deploy us.”
Arthur’s heart sank. He was racking his brains for a way to bypass Fitzroy when Elder, who was usually unreliable, jumped in. “Colonel, don’t you remember? The First Lord of the Admiralty, Thomas Hardy!”
Fitzroy’s eyes widened. He finally remembered Arthur’s formidable background. After all, this young man was the one who had caused the First Lord of the Admiralty, Thomas Hardy, to personally order him not to hire Arthur.
Though Arthur vehemently denied any blood ties to the Earl of Hastings, Colonel Fitzroy wouldn’t believe it. And someone who could be friends with Elder couldn’t possibly come from a humble background.
Fitzroy took a deep breath. This young man couldn’t possibly be messing with him for no reason. And if what he said was true, and the Beggar didn’t follow orders…
While technically he wouldn’t be responsible, failing to act would surely be noticed by Admiral Thomas Hardy. If the man who held the reins of the Royal Navy officers’ lives looked down on him, he might never have a chance to become a general.
On top of that, he would also offend a whole bunch of members of the Earl of Hastings’ family. And those departments involved in this matter might hold a grudge against him.
But if he followed this young man’s words…
Even if Arthur was lying, it wouldn’t be a big deal. It was just a temporary change in the sea training route.
As long as no one leaked it, and the Naval Headquarters didn’t know, everyone could just go about their business, and it would be a win-win situation.
And even if someone did tell, the Admiralty would at most accuse him of taking someone aboard the ship without permission, and deduct a month’s salary.
But even if he lost a month’s salary, wouldn’t he still receive the Earl of Hastings’ apology?
Judging by Admiral Hardy’s reaction to Arthur’s being banned from the ship, the Earl of Hastings must have a close relationship with him.
If he took the fall for the Earl of Hastings’ incompetent son, wouldn’t the Earl plead his case to Admiral Hardy?
Fitzroy couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Even his breathing felt easier.
After all, it was just a trip out to sea with the Earl of Hastings’ son. What was the big deal?
With that thought, Colonel Fitzroy felt he had no reason to refuse. This was a golden opportunity, a gift from the heavens, a surefire win-win situation!
He puffed out his chest, a confident smile spreading across his face.
This was what it meant to use a Royal Navy ship through connections!
He patted Arthur on the shoulder and immediately shouted to the sailors, almost as if afraid he would change his mind.
“All hands on deck! Stop loading supplies, raise anchor, hoist sails! By order of the Admiralty, the Beggar is changing course to intercept the merchant ship ‘Blackthorn’! Full speed ahead!”
(End of Chapter)