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'Ah, it's Hornblower. Good morning.'

'Good morning, sir.'

'The last time we met was over that unfortunate business with the Irish rebel. We had to hang him, I remember.'

'Yes, sir.'

Cornwallis, 'Billy Blue,' had not changed perceptibly during those four years. He was still the bulky man with the composed manner, obviously ready to deal with any emergency.

'Please sit down. A glass of wine?'

'No, thank you, sir.'

'I expected that, seeing the ceremony you've just come from. My apologies for interrupting your wedding, but you must blame Boney, not me.'

'Of course, sir.' Hornblower felt that a more eloquent speech would have been in place here, but he could not think of one.

'I'll detain you for as short a time as possible. You know I've been appointed to the command of the Channel Fleet?'

'Yes, sir.'

'You know that Hotspur is under my command?'

'I expected that, but I didn't know, sir.'

'The Admiralty letter to that effect came down in my coach. You'll find it awaiting you on board.'

'Yes, sir.'