CHAPTER XIX

GERALD'S PROMOTION

A WEEK later the _Olive Branch_ was once more ploughing the waters of the North Atlantic. Since leaving Desolation Inlet her battered appearance had undergone a great change. The bridge and chart-house had been replaced, but the task of renewing the automatic steering-gear was, for the time being, beyond the resources of the ship. Thus, day and night, one of the quartermasters and two assistants had to take their places at the wheel, instead of merely keeping a sharp look-out as the _Olive Branch_, like an intelligent human being, pursued an unswerving course.

By this time the identity of the hitherto mysterious _Olive Branch_ had become common property, and the principal European nations had agreed that she was not to be ignored as a fighting machine. Incidentally, Gerald's report to the British Admiralty had served a useful purpose, for, unknown to Captain Brookes and his officers, code messages had been dispatched to the numerous ships flying the White Ensign on the high seas, ordering them to abstain from hindering or molesting the cruiser, unless the latter were caught in the act of committing an outrage on British shipping. No doubt Captain Brookes's magnanimous forbearance when he ran the gauntlet from Talcahuano Harbour had much to do with this decision, but, being ignorant of it, the captain of the _Olive Branch_ still took precautions to avoid coming into contact with a British man-of-war.

How this was to be accomplished, especially in the somewhat congested waters of the Straits of Gibraltar, through which he must pass in order to gain the Eastern Mediterranean--since the passage of the Suez Canal was out of the question--required careful forethought. News having been received by wireless from one of his agents that several of the Russian Volunteer Fleet were making the passage from Libau to Sevastopol gave Captain Brookes his opportunity; nor was he slow to act. The _Olive Branch_ was to be disguised as a Russian vessel.

Accordingly, two huge canvas funnels were rigged up; an additional mast with a dummy wireless installation was erected; a calm day afforded the opportunity of painting the ship a greenish hue, similar to that adopted in the Imperial Russian Navy; the name Ekaterinoslav, conspicuously written in Slavonic characters, graced her stern, while the blue cross of St. Andrew on a white field floated from the ensign staff.

"I think that will pass muster," observed Captain Brookes. "But, by Jove! I hope we won't encounter a stiff breeze, or our make-believe funnels will sweep the deck."

"It will give the show away if they do," rejoined Lieutenant Sinclair. "We've guyed them as firmly as it is possible to do, and even now they are whipping before the wind."

"We must ease down a bit. I intended to in any case, so that we can slip through the Straits in a decorous manner. Will you please tell the engine-room to slow down to fifteen knots, and then stow and secure the windshields."

At sunset the _Olive Branch_, which was running in a northerly direction off the southwest coast of Spain, altered her course to S.E., and boldly stood in towards the historic Straits, so as to pass midway betwixt the batteries of Gibraltar on the north and Ceuta on the south, or African, shore.

The evening being warm, Gerald Tregarthen appeared on deck accompanied by Jack Stockton. The latter was making rapid progress under the skilful care of Dr. White, and though the wound had proved a severe one, no complications had arisen.

"That's Cape Tarifa," observed Gerald, as a fixed red light became visible on the port bow. "We ought soon to pick up the white light on Europa Point. But, by Jove! Jack, I hardly like this phase of the proceedings. Once we are in the Mediterranean, how are we to get out again if this blockading business is continued? It's all very well dodging a few cruisers, though, mind you, it was a fine performance; but when it comes to having to tackle the whole of the British Mediterranean Fleet, that's a rather tall order."

"But we seem to be slipping through unobserved."

"After the fashion of a crab entering a crab-pot--it's on the return trip that we have to pay toll. This disguise will serve us for the present, but the first appearance of the _Olive Branch_ in her natural guise will set the whole of the Mediterranean Fleet about our ears."

"If they----"

Jack's sentence remained uncompleted, for with the suddenness peculiar to the Straits a vicious squall swept down from Carnero Point, taking the _Olive Branch_ full on the broadside. Instantly the two dummy funnels disappeared overboard, where, held by the wire rope guys, they became gigantic drogues or floating anchors, against which the action of the rudder was powerless.

Then as swiftly as it had arisen the squall subsided.

Captain Brookes was, as usual when in a tight place, ready for all emergencies. Ordering the motors to be stopped lest the propellers should foul the straining canvas, he gave word for the bo'sun's mate to pipe the watch to clear away the wreckage.

Lustily the men sprang to their work, axe in hand, but, ere a dozen blows had been struck, the dazzling rays of a searchlight picked out the _Olive Branch_ with the utmost precision.

"A cruiser," remarked Captain Brookes, calmly. "Carry on, men; then general quarters."

As he sprang towards the conning-tower the searchlight was switched off and a masthead signalling lamp began to "call up" the motionless _Olive Branch_.

"Acknowledge," ordered the captain, shortly; and in reply a lamp from the bridge began its succession of rapid short flashes.

"_What ship is that?_"

"It's no use bluffing them, Tregarthen. I'll show my true colours, and if they've any regard for their own safety they'll sheer off," remarked Captain Brookes, and turning to his signalman he ordered him to reply:--

_"The cruiser 'Olive Branch.'"_

Almost without a moment's hesitation the intercepting vessel signalled:--

"_Is Lieutenant Tregarthen on board?_"

"Ha, Mr. Tregarthen, you're promoted, I understand. Allow me to congratulate you," said his temporary "chief."

An affirmative reply having been given, the British cruiser--for British she undoubtedly was--continued:--

"_I wish to communicate; am sending boat._"

"They can't do us much harm while the boat's alongside," commented Captain Brookes. "Nevertheless, we must take precautions. A few revolutions with the port propellers, if you please, then carry on with the work of clearing away the wreckage."

Hardly had the accommodation ladder been rigged when the sound of oars could be heard, and the outlines of a cutter could be discerned as it approached the side of the _Olive Branch_.

"Two communications, sir; one for the officer commanding this ship, the other for Lieutenant Tregarthen. Will you please favour me with an acknowledgment in each case?" announced a lieutenant as he came over the side.

"I trust you will honour me with your presence in my cabin," replied Captain Brookes affably, and, as the party of officers moved towards the companion, he continued "Might I be inquisitive enough to inquire how you were so ready with your message?"

"Merely the result of a general order, sir," replied the lieutenant of H.M.S. _Galatea_, one of the latest super-Dreadnought cruisers. "Since your marvellous display of speed one never knows where you might turn up next. We happened to be the vessel that stood in your way."

There was a marked difference between the respective manners with which Captain Brookes and Gerald received their communications.

The former calmly and deliberately cut the flap of the envelope with a paper-knife, while his subordinate tore his with almost feverish anxiety.

Gerald's contained a copy of a general order, in which it was stated that Sub-Lieutenant Gerald Tregarthen had been promoted Lieutenant in His Majesty's fleet; and, further, that he was appointed for special duties for an indefinite period, thereby proving that My Lords were both willing and anxious for him to continue his stay on board the _Olive Branch_, although they hesitated to say so in plain words. Nevertheless, the communication lifted a great load off Gerald's mind, although in his excitement he could not fully realise his good fortune. Meanwhile Captain Brookes had completed the reading of the letter addressed to him. Not a sign did he give of its effect, but, inscrutable as the Sphinx, he carefully selected a quill, pointed it, and began to write.

Gerald had before remarked that these pens were the only obsolete articles on the ship. Captain Brookes, past master in the art of modern appliances, had a peculiar liking for quills; and it was with almost pre-Victorian punctiliousness that the captain penned his reply. This done, he carefully sealed the envelope with wax and handed it to the British officer with a courteous bow.

Then, having waited till Gerald had written his acknowledgment, he broke the official ice by requesting the lieutenant of the _Galatea_ to partake of a bottle of choice old Madeira.

For nearly half an hour the midnight reception continued, and though the conversation was mainly small talk, Captain Brookes noticed that his visitor was keenly taking in his surroundings, though, the captain reflected, there was little information to be gleaned in that cabin that would prove of use to a stranger.

By the time the _Galatea's_ cutter had returned to her parent ship the work of clearing away the debris was accomplished; and with a courteous interchange of signals the two vessels separated, the British cruiser heading towards Gibraltar Harbour, the _Olive Branch_ tearing at forty-five knots towards the vast tideless waters of the Mediterranean.

Shortly before eight bells on the following morning all hands, save those whose absence was absolutely necessary, were mustered on the quarter deck.

As Gerald emerged through the companion he noticed that the Russian Ensign no longer floated aft, but held ready to be hoisted was the green and white flag that the _Olive Branch_ claimed as her own.

"There's something in the air, Jack," he whispered to his chum.

The officers and men had mustered with anxious faces. They knew that a communication of some import had been received from a British cruiser, but the vaguest details of its contents were missing.

Presently Captain Brookes, in full uniform, came on deck, striding proudly like a young bantam, as the point of his scabbard clanked across the metal plating. Walking as he did between, yet slightly in advance of, two tall lieutenants, his gait would have appeared ridiculous had he been other than the captain of the _Olive Branch_; but there was a determination in his bearing that outweighed his comparatively diminutive stature and his pompous walk.

As eight bells were sounded the ship's ensign was hoisted, all hands standing rigidly to attention as was their wont. Then, taking from his pocket the document that he had received overnight, Captain Brookes began to read its contents.

_From My Lords executing the office of Lord High Admiral of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels on the High Seas to the officer commanding the cruiser (nationality uncertain) "Olive Branch._"

SIR,--You are hereby informed that, as far as His Majesty's Government is concerned, the decree of piracy issued against you, dated 29/8/--, is cancelled, provided that you and the vessel you command abstain from committing any act of violence against any of His Majesty's subjects, ships, buildings, or other properties of the Crown.--(Signed) BALDERSTOWE, Secretary to My Lords, etc., etc.

For a few seconds following the conclusion of this announcement absolute silence prevailed. The officers were too phlegmatic to allow themselves to express their feelings with acclamation; the men took longer to grasp the meaning of the declaration. When at length its significance came home to them, the seamen burst into a prolonged cheer.

Thoroughly loyal to their chief, the officers and crew had realised that the captain's policy had brought them into dangerous paths; nor could they forget that they were Britons by birth. But now the amnesty had been received the load on their minds had been removed; they could pursue their plans with a good grace.

"You see, my men," exclaimed Captain Brookes, "there's more in this than the British Admiralty feel inclined to put into writing. We are recognised as an important factor in preserving the world's peace. Nay, I will go farther. Should Great Britain in her hour of trial require our assistance--and events seem to show that clouds are already gathering on the political horizon--the _Olive Branch_ will not hesitate to range herself on the side of the champion of true liberty.

"Now occurs the opportunity of informing you of the _Olive Branch's_ present mission. For some considerable time past there have been signs of an approaching rupture between Turkey and Greece, and events have proved that the trouble between these two States has almost invariably ended in European war.

"I have every reason to believe that a secret treaty exists between Greece and Russia, whereby the Russian Black Sea fleet will force the passage of the Dardanelles directly the first shot is fired between the Greeks and Turks; while, on the other hand, Austria and Italy will support the Hellenes. It naturally follows that the Russian troops will swarm over the Carpathians. Under the existing understanding between Germany and Austria the former country will not remain passive while Muscovite armies are massing on her eastern frontier; nor is it unreasonable to suppose that France, ever burning to wipe out the indignity of losing Alsace-Lorraine, will side with her old ally, Russia.

"This conflict between Greece and Turkey must, therefore, be nipped in the bud. The encounter between the respective fleets must not take place; and it is the _Olive Branch's_ duty to prevent it."

Another outburst of cheering greeted the conclusion of the captain's speech, and the men were dismissed.

As Captain Brookes was about to descend the companion, Selkirk, the chief engineer, came towards him.

"We're running verra short of fuel, sir," he reported. "A matter of twa days will clear us oot o' the last drap."

"That's serious, Mr. Selkirk."

"If she'll take a mixture of lubricating and paraffin maybe I'll screw another four hoors out o' the motors, sir; but the----"

"Very well, Mr. Selkirk. Economise as much as you can; meanwhile I'll see what's to be done."

Captain Brookes realised the gravity of the situation. At half speed it would be just possible to reach Malta, but it was deemed inadvisable to claim the hospitality of a British dependency at this early stage of reconciliation.

On the other hand, the _Olive Branch_ would soon be in a state of comparative impotence, since the running of her dynamos from which her offensive and defensive power was derived, would be seriously affected by the under-fuelled motors.

Consequently, Captain Brookes decided to take a bold step; he would shape a course for the Straits of Messina, intercept one of the many oil-tank vessels plying between Baku and the French Mediterranean ports, and by fair means or foul take possession of her cargo.