Winning, p.19
Winning, page 19
part #3 of Sailing Orders Series
“Mr. Harmon!” Brooks said, “Let the junk know that we do not trust her.”
“Gladly sir.” He turned and called to the master gunner. “Remind him to knock before he comes in please.”
“Aye, aye sir.”
The gunner lined up one of the 24 pounder guns, then stood back. “Fire.”
Chang Po was watching the single gun port rise and the gun run out. When it fired he laughed. Fools think they can…. As the cannon ball hit the bow of the junk the mast shivered as the forestays were severed. The ball went through the deck planking and smashed its way to the keel, though it did not break it. The mast was held in place by the wind filled sail though it was trembling dangerously.
Chang Po screamed at his men to secure the mast and continued toward the Castletown intent in boarding with the swarm of men crouched behind the bulwarks of the junk. As he watched he saw green clad men at the bulwarks of the merchant ship and others climbing the rigging. The green clad men were all armed and as he watched, the men fired. All along the deck wounded men cried out, others dropped dead where they crouched. Appalled at the carnage Chang Po could only stand and wait to come to grips with the enemy ship. But as he watched he realised that his attack was doomed. The full broadside from the merchantman fired at point blank range and the junk bows disintegrated along as far as the step for the mainmast. Chang Po was thrown forward into the wreckage as the junk stopped as if it had hit a brick wall. He died there, in brief agony, pierced by splinters over the entire length of his body.
Elsewhere the rest of the fleet were doing no better. The Alderney was chasing two junks that had turned to flee after seeing the death of Chang Po. Asterid had fired two broadsides and her targets were both sinking, the surrounding waters covered with the heads of frantic swimmers.
The chase was not extended. The Alderney caught the two junks with almost contemptuous ease. Both realised that they could not escape, and turned to attack their pursuer.
Since both junks depended on boarding, the cannon they had were small, and poorly served. Alderney on the other hand was well served with heavy guns and skilled men to serve them. Both junks were shattered by the guns of their opponent. The ships were left sinking with the surviving crews trying to find some way to keep out of the water where sharks were enjoying an unexpected feast day.
Captain Hammond, like Captain Harris and Captain Brooks, wasted no sympathy on the dying men. Martin had three of the men plucked from the water, so that he could find out where they had come from.
Faced with a similar fate to their companions the three men selected were only too willing to talk. They described their home port and their leader, Bang Lok who ruled their island. Catanduanes, part of the Philippines island group.
It is true that Martin had been missing the naval routine that had dominated his life up to the commencement of this voyage, but South America had been interesting and it now appeared that calling on the ‘Island of the Palms,’ would be needed to discuss the pirate activity with the Governor.
According to Olivia de la Cruz, her family owned property in Manila. The major city on the island, known as Luzon, was the source of the famous Manila galleon that had for many years brought the wealth of the Indies to Europe, by both Eastern and Western routes.
Chapter twenty-four
Diplomacy
The Islands appeared first a cloud along the horizon, but gradually transformed into a series of overlapping low green mounds as they neared their first destination. The Port of Dapa, taken by the pirates from Mindanao, now ruled by Bang Lok who had settled there in his private fiefdom, had anchorages offshore within the shelter offered by the island.
The arrival of the three ships, expected under the escort of Chang Po, was regarded with a certain apprehension by Bang Lok. They were reported long before they appeared, and Captain Spiers was with his employer at the time the news was brought.
“Either Chang Po missed the ships, or having encountered them, is no longer an ally to be counted upon.” Spiers retorted dryly. “Perhaps this is not the time to mention the shore battery I suggested we install above the landing stage.” He raised the glass he was using to examine the ships below. “Though I fear the ships are rather better armed than most and they have the look of naval craft, despite the merchant ensigns they carry.”
Bang Lok looked at the busy scene around the three newcomers. They had lowered boats, and established a patrol around the anchored ships.
A larger boat was launched from the ship identified by Spiers as an East Indiaman. It stopped to take a passenger from the bigger of the two other ships and then made for the landing stage.
Bang Lok turned to Spiers. “Go and meet them and bring them here.”
Spiers smiled and bowed, “As you command.”
He left, and was on the landing stage when the party from the ships arrived. As the boat came alongside a dozen green-uniformed men, armed with rifles, leapt ashore and quickly spread about watchfully, whilst the other passengers came ashore.
A green-clad Major helped a lady ashore, followed by a Naval captain who accompanied another lady followed by two tall seamen.
Spiers went forward and saluted the captain. “I have been asked by the Governor to welcome you to the island and escort you to the residence. May I ask your name, sir?”
Martin returned the salute and introduced himself and the two ladies.
Accompanied by the green-clad riflemen, the party made their way to the residence where Bang Lok was seated, waiting apprehensively.
The fact that Bang Lok had secured the position of Governor of the island had given his role a veneer of respectability. When the party arrived his servants seated the ladies and the captain. The green-clad soldiers refused to be entertained and maintained their place, keeping the watch.
Acting as interpreter, Captain Spiers was seated beside Bang Lok.
Bang Lok welcomed the visitors, his words translated by Spiers.
Olivia leaned over to Martin, “He is welcoming us to the island.” She said quietly. “I think he is worried.”
With the welcome over, Bang Lok asked the visitors the reason for their call.
Martin said “The lady here is Olivia de la Cruz of Manila. She and her parents were returning home by ship when they were attacked by pirates. She and her parents were able to avoid capture to escape in one of the ship’s boats. Even so, unfortunately they were spotted and both her parents were killed and she herself injured. The pirates burned the ship, having stripped it of its cargo and disposed of the crew and passengers.
"While we were cruising en route to China we encountered the boat with the lady still alive on board.
"While journeying from Palau Island we were attacked by pirates. Miss de la Cruz recognised the lead ship as the one that attacked and murdered her parents. My ships destroyed the pirates, but we kept some of the crew alive. When questioned they admitted they came from this island and that their chief Chang Po traded stolen cargoes here on the island.”
The Governor, Bang Lok realised that he would need to be very careful with his answer regarding Chang Po.
“It is true Chang Po has a trading warehouse on the island, he is a respected businessman, his ship normally sails regularly to stock up with materials.”
“It seems he will not be returning for the foreseeable future. In the circumstances, may I suggest we examine the premises owned by this man, with a view to compensating this young lady for the loss of her parents and the security that offers?”
The major walked over to the captain and whispered something to him.
Martin rose to his feet. “I understand that the premises owned by the man Chang Po have been located and are now secured by my men. Shall we take a look at the assets of the deceased pirate?”
“I have not seen proof of his death yet,” wailed the Island Governor.
Martin noticed that the Governor’s eyes had narrowed and the panic in his voice was not reflected in his eyes.
Spiers looked disgusted and turned to his employer and said. “Stop making difficulties, we will go now and we will compensate the lady. It will cost you nothing. Chang Po’s warehouse will provide. Now let us go and do the decent thing.” As he said it, he had the grace to cringe inwardly. It had to be several years since he had last done the decent thing.
Spiers had also been surprised by the reaction of his employer. Like Martin he was not entirely taken in by the panicky reactions of the man. Bang Lok had often been in tight situations before and there was an easy escape from this one. Merely by doing what was suggested without being stupid, these people with their big guns could be on their way without trouble or personal loss.
The warehouse was down the hill in the grounds of the house that had belonged to Chang Po. The group walked down together with Bang Lok and Spiers showing the way.
A large landing party from Asterid had come ashore meanwhile, and had relaxed on the quay waiting for further orders. Spiers noticed that they were all armed.
Lieutenant Gibbs stepped forward and then saluted. “Working party present as ordered, sir.”
“Very good. Bring them along to that building.” He indicated the warehouse. “Inventory the contents, Mr. Gibbs. We will be in the house.”
Gibbs grinned and acknowledged the order, turning to the men with him. “The warehouse, lads, list the contents. Cox’on, watch them please.” He turned to the warehouse door and examined the lock. Stepping back, he pointed to the lock. A big seaman stepped forward and swung the maul he was carrying. It struck the double doors at the point where the lock was situated.
The doors fell open, the lock was hanging from its mountings, both top hinges on the doors were broken and the doors sagged apart.
“Don’t just stand there!” The Cox’on shouted, “Inside with you and start sorting out the goods.”
The main party had stopped while this scene was played out, but once the door was opened, Martin stirred and moved over to the house door.
This was opened from within by a Chinese woman who bowed and indicated that they enter. Spiers informed the lady that they would be searching the house and told her to be available in case they needed keys or information.
She nodded and waited as they filed through the front door. Four of the green-clad Marines entered with them and the others took positions outside. Martin turned to McLean and Peters. “Start at the top and work down. You know what to look for.”
The two men nodded and left the room.
Jennifer, who had accompanied Olivia on the trip ashore turned to the Chinese woman. “What should I call you? Could we have some tea perhaps?”
The Chinese lady clapped her hands and a servant appeared, there was a brief flurry of Mandarin and the servant bowed and disappeared.
The Chinese lady turned to Jennifer. Bowing she said, “My name is Jasmine, my apologies for my discourtesy I expected to be taken prisoner now my husband has been killed.” She spoke English quietly, correctly and carefully.
Jennifer said, “Why would you be arrested?”
“The master does not forgive failure, my husband failed to bring your ships here as captives. His possessions are thus all forfeit.”
Bang Lok was wondering what was being said, he had never really bothered to learn English. He looked at Spiers for a translation, but Spiers was not responding.
Jennifer continued her conversation. “Did your husband work for anyone here?”
“Of course everyone on the island works for the Governor.”
“Please sit here.” She patted the seat beside her. “Now, you speak good English. Did you learn it here?”
A look of pain crossed Jasmine’s face, “I am a prize taken from my father’s ship. The junk my husband sailed was owned by my father, he traded from Hong Kong where I was born and educated. Four years ago we were taken by that man," she nodded at Bang Lok, "I was given to my husband as a reward. They murdered my father and the other people on the ship. I believe I am the only survivor.”
Bang Lok was becoming more and more agitated at the conversations that he could not understand. He rose to his feet and turned to Spiers. "Tell me what is going on."
Spiers rose to his feet in turn and faced him. He stood nearly a head taller than the Governor. In succinct sentences he told him what Jasmine had been saying.
Bang Lok turned pale and swung round with arm raised to strike the Chinese woman.
Spiers grabbed the arm and stopped the blow falling, gripping the wrist tightly, causing his opponent to cry out in shock. The small dagger in his raised hand dropped to the floor. Recovering he swung his other hand and punched Spiers in the chest.
Spiers gasped, looking unbelievingly at the blood that was suddenly leaking down his shirt. The pain followed. As the two men stood swaying now, Spires’s left hand found Bang Lok’s throat and savagely thrust his thumb into his larynx. Bang Lok withdrew his knife and stabbed him again.
The ladies scrambled back as the two men toppled to the floor, still locked in a life and death struggle. Bang Lok’s face was purple as he struggled for breath. He had dropped the knife and was trying to prize the relentless hand from his throat. His efforts failed and his hand fell away, his face distorted and eyes open now fixed, looking at Spiers who was breathing badly, blood dribbling from the corner of his mouth. Major Bristow stepped forward and dragged Bang Lok’s dead body aside, leaving Spiers bloody but still breathing, though not for long.
Jennifer knelt beside him, “You saved her life.” She said.
Spiers grimaced, his face twisted into a smile. “Not all baddd….” The light went from his eyes, and he was dead.
McLean and Peters were there, having heard the noise and they removed the bodies, to the veranda.
Martin looked at the three ladies present. None of them showed any sign of fainting, in fact Olivia and Jasmine both looked relieved and Jennifer said, “I do believe this situation is now resolved." The servant appeared and put the furniture straight. She said in Tagalog, "Shall I serve the tea?”
Jasmine nodded and sent her off, she turned to McLean, “Behind the bed, there is a panel.”
McLean produced a soft cloth bag from his belt.
Jasmine smiled and nodded, and accepted the bag McLean offered.
Martin looked at them both but said nothing.
McLean went and joined Peters beside the door. Just outside was a chest, ornately carved with brass corners and straps. The two men lifted the chest with some effort and placed it on the floor between the chairs of the seated group. The servant appeared and set out the tea things, and as silently disappeared.
Jasmine opened the chest, with a key taken from the bag that McLean had passed to her.
As the others watched Martin unhooked the clasp and raised the lid of the chest. There was a joint intake of breath as the group saw the contents. Whatever else Chang Po was he had an eye for jewellery, and gems in general. The chest was nearly full with a gold-mounted gems and un-mounted gems; in the light they flashed from the blue of the sapphires to the green of the emeralds, diamonds mixed with pearls, it was a Maharajah’s fantasy.
Martin shut the lid.
Jasmine said, "Chang Po was a true thief, he stole from friend and enemy alike, much of this wealth should have been passed to the Governor, but he could not bear to pass up the opportunity to cheat. I am glad the pig is dead, and I wish you joy of the treasure he collected."
The knock on the door announced the Cox’on.
“Sir we have cleared the warehouse, there is a large stock of trade goods mainly materials, silks and stuff, though there is also a supply of barrels of powder, marked with the royal cipher.
Olivia spoke for the first time since the chest had been produced. “Please, ladies and gentlemen, in Manila I am a rich woman. I have no need of this," she waved to chest. "My parents were wealthy even in these terms. I know that they intended me to marry a man I do not know. He is of family that would be of great importance in Manila. I have been to Spain and seen Seville and Madrid. I wish to travel to England and now there is peace, to Paris and Vienna. I have no wish to stay in Manila.”
Jennifer said with a smile, “Since you are not yet of age that may not be easy. Are there people who will assume control of your affairs until you of age?”
Olivia nodded, “I’m afraid so.” She said sadly.
Martin said. "Surely we can do something about it. After all, Antonio Ramos became the guardian of Maria. Can we not do something similar for this lady?”
Olivia lifted her hand. “I have discussed this with my parents, we talked of the possibility of my being alone, mainly because my father travelled on business and my mother often went with him. There was no one of their acquaintance they felt they could trust. My father said that in the last resort if I found someone I could trust, by marrying, I could prevent strangers from controlling my life.”
Stunned silence followed this cool statement, and Olivia sat back awaiting comment.
Chapter twenty-five
Major Bristow’s Sacrifice.
The arrangements to leave the island took some days. The actual administration had rested solely in the hands of the deceased Bang Lok. By the time they were in a position to leave it was apparent that Jasmine, the former wife of Chang Po was the most suitable candidate to rule the island.
At the suggestion that she might wish to return to Hong Kong, she was adamant that it would mean that she would be soiled goods to her people and as such she would lose such wealth as she had brought and be disgraced.
There were still members of the staff to protect her, and the remaining members of the former Governor’s household were pleased to accept the rule of the strong-minded lady. The head of the bodyguards came and knelt in front of her. He placed his blade in her hands and said, "The captain was our trainer and leader. He gave his life to save you, we will do no less."
