Читать книгу The Captain from Connecticut онлайн

81 страница из 86

"This way," said Peabody, opening the door of the sleeping cabin.

Hunningford sat down on the locker and left the cot to Peabody.

"You are comfortable enough here," he said, glancing about him. "But I would prefer to have that skylight closed."

Peabody followed his gaze, and reopened the door to give the order to the sentry outside. Then they waited in silence until the skylight closed over their heads.

"Well?" said Peabody.

"The Jamaica convoy sails in nine days' time," said Hunningford. "The escort will be the Calypso, 36, corvette Racer, 20, if she's back in time, which I expect, and the brig Bulldog, 14. They will sail by the Windward Passage, and will rendezvous with the Leeward Islands convoy in Latitude 25 North, Longitude 65 West."

This was precise enough information, if it were correct.

"How do you know this?" asked Peabody.

Hunningford shrugged his shoulders.

"I am paid no commission for revealing that," he said. "But if you imagine that a convoy of a hundred sail can be assembled without certain facts leaking out you have a higher opinion of human nature than I have. My commercial connections give me certain opportunities and privileges."