Chapter 3

He was woken the next morning by the quartermaster. Ashley felt rather annoyed at being dragged from his dreams and had to heave his aching body out of his hammock. He looked at his uniform it was still slightly damp but it would have to do. He only had two sets of uniform and the other was his best set, which Ashley had decided he would only wear when absolutely necessary so as to preserve it for as long as possible. He changed into his damp uniform quite slowly because he felt so terrible. His head pounded, his nose was running like a river, he ached all over, his throat was sore and he felt really hot but Ashley was determined to make it through the day. So that he could prove to the first lieutenant that he was capable.

Up on deck he approached the lieutenant of the watch, Mr Bentley and asked, “Excuse me, but what are my duties today, sir?”

Ashley sniffed and wiped his nose with the back of his hand.

“Mr McKay isn’t it?”

“Aye, sir.”

“I have been told that if you asked to tell you to go and see the captain.”

“Now? Is he up already, sir?”

“I only know what I’ve been told.”

“Aye, s-sir.” Ashley almost sneezed but managed to stop halfway through.

He made his way to the captain’s cabin. Ashley felt rather nervous not only about having to see the captain but he also felt intimidated by the sentry outside the door. He told the sentry whom he was and that he’d come to see the captain. He knocked on the door and announced him; Ashley held his breath waiting for the captain’s reply. He was soon sent in and as he entered he noticed that Mr Blue was already there.

“Here at last,” boomed the captain. His voice penetrated Ashley skull and made his head ache worse. “Mr McKay, I have received certain reports from Mr Alexander as regards your behaviour,” Ashley could feel that he was about to sneeze and tried to stop it. “And I have decided that for the moment you should-,”

“A-a-atishoo!” Ashley sneezed loudly. He cringed at his outburst.

“Bless you,” said the captain.

Ashley was surprised that the captain was not annoyed by his sneeze.

“Thank you, sir,” replied Ashley, wiping his nose with the back of his sleeve not having a handkerchief available.

 “As I was saying. I have decided that you should shadow Mr Blue here in order to learn your duties rather than throw you in at the deep end.”

“Aye, sir.”

“You will observe every aspect of ship life and take note of where things are stowed and the common names for certain objects, directions etcetera.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Do either of you have any objections to this arrangement?”

“No, sir.” They both replied. Ashley swallowed but his throat felt like he had swallowed a lighted candle. He suddenly felt really cold and a shiver went down his spine.

“Then you are dismissed.” Said Captain Thompson.

 Ashley followed Blue out of the cabin along the corridor and up on deck. His head pounded like someone was trying to break out of his skull with a large hammer and he shuddered with cold.

Blue looked at Ashley and said in a concerned tone, “Are you well? You look rather pale and your shaking. Are you ill?”

“I’ll be alright. It’s just a-a-a choo! Sorry, It’s just a little cold.”

“You don’t look well to me. Maybe you should go down and see Dr Innocent?”

Ashley did not want to see some navy surgeon. All he wanted to do was go home and curl up in his nice warm comfortable bed.

“I don’t need a doctor.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I am sure.”

“Well then. We had better start from the beginning.” Said Blue leading Ashley to where the ships log was positioned. Ashley took note at how Blue copied the log making sure what he wrote was correct. Although he was finding it hard to concentrate feeling as unwell as he did. Ashley one minute felt extremely cold the next sweltering hot and nothing he could do would regulate his temperature. The last thing he wanted at this point in time was to have to deal with the first lieutenant because he would find some offence and send Ashley back up the mast again. Blue interrupted his thoughts.

“I’d better teach you some of the names of things.”

“Well I know which is the main mast.” Said Ashley, looking rather apprehensively towards it.

“Yes, well we all realise that.” Replied Blue.

The midshipman looked over towards the shore, Ashley followed his line of vision. There were some boats coming over from the shore. “You see those boats?”

“Yeah.”

“Their called bumboats. They will sell anything to you and overcharge you in the process. If you want to buy anything I’ll ask the purser and he’ll broker the deal for you.”

“The purser?”

“The purser is the person that you go to if you need provisions or clothing. On the Velox Mr Spendthrift is the purser.”

“Mr Spendthrift is the purser. I’ll remember that. What’s next?”

***

Throughout the day Ashley had felt progressively worse and when the first lieutenant came on deck his day went further downhill.

“Ah, Mr Blue. I see you have had to suffer Mr McKay’s presence today. I hope it has not hindered you in your duties.” Said Mr Alexander throwing a menacing look in Ashley’s direction, “Have you learnt anything at all?”

“A-aye, sir,” responded Ashley nervously.

“After breakfast you will accompany Mr Blue and several of the marines. You will be working with the press. There is an East Indiaman meant to be coming in soon and I wish to obtain some prime seaman to fill up our diminished complement.”

“Aye, sir.” They replied simultaneously. Ashley sneezed just about covering his nose and mouth in time. The first lieutenant looked at him with ill concealed contempt and walked away.

After Ashley finished his rather sad looking meal, he followed Blue up on deck. His companion climbed down the ships side into the waiting boat, which already contained several marines dressed in their red livery. Ashley didn’t much like the drop down to the waiting boat. The ships tumblehome made it look rather a precarious job to climb down. He found it embarrassing having to climb down into the boat while trying not to look down with his colleagues watching his every move. His thumping head and aching muscles did not aid him in any way. Ashley wished he could refuse to go, but he knew that he couldn’t.

Ashley sat in the thwarts of the boat. He outwardly shivered with cold and his nerves made him tremble inside. Ashley was afraid of making a stupid mistake as a result of his scarce experience and his lack of concentration. They made their way towards the shore. His companions were silent throughout the trip and the only time anyone spoke was to issue orders. This solemn party reached their destination and disembarked; Ashley experienced a slight difficulty in getting out of the boat onto land rather than falling into the murky water. His efforts were watched by his comrades and Mr Blue thought it jolly good fun to see his shipmate struggle. When Ashley eventually got onto dry land he was glad to be on firm ground at last. It was bitterly cold and it looked as if a grey cloak had been wrapped round the port as the mist swirled round the group.

Ashley followed Blue and the marines through the streets until the reached what was to be their base of operations. On the long trudge to the tavern he observed the dreary grey streets around him and they seemed even murkier to his tired eyes.

A charismatic Irish lieutenant came out to meet them; he was a skinny dark haired fellow who went by the name of O’Bryan. He briefly explained what they would be required to do. Ashley found it hard to concentrate on what was being said through his pounding headache.

“We have placards printed and posted about town. A marine drummer will drum his drum on the wharf to attract true volunteers to sign up. But as you know some of the ‘volunteers’ can be a little reluctant in coming forward and can ‘get lost’. So we will have different squads each under an officer and they will patrol different sections of town and help motivate the ‘volunteers’ to do their duty. Now if you have no more questions I suggest we take refuge from the cold while we wait for the Indiaman to arrive,” suggested Lieutenant O’Bryan indicating the door of the tavern.

“Aye, sir,” replied Blue.

“A-a tishoo!” Ashley sneezed instead of answering.

“Bless you, lad. I’ll take that as a yes.”

They followed him indoors; inside there were already several officers sitting at the tables drinking and playing cards. Ashley always stayed clear of cards and other games of chance. He had been warned by his father often enough about the dangers of gambling. Instead Ashley decided to take a seat nearest the fireplace hoping that it might warm him up and dry out his damp clothes. He sat alone at the table as his colleague had decided to join one of the other tables. Ashley crossed his arms and rested his head on them. He almost dozed off at one point but was woken up by Blue.

“Oy! McKay! Don’t sit over there all on your Jonah. Come and join us!”

“I'm well enough over here, thank you.”

“Don’t be so unsociable. There are some people I want you to meet.”

Ashley wanted to tell him to go away but there was no good making enemies this early in his career. He slowly stood up. Ashley picked up his chair and placed it in the gap they had made for him at the table and sat down. He looked around nervously not knowing quite what he should do next but Blue helped him out there.

“Right fellers I would like you to meet my newest shipmate Mr McKay.” Said Blue indicating to Ashley.

There was a collective grumble greetings, “McKay these are some of my friends. I would like you to meet Mr Hall, Mr Forwent, Mr Nottingham and my old friend Mr Creighton.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” replied Ashley timidly.

“McKay is old Alexander’s new whipping boy,” explained Blue much to Ashley’s embarrassment. His friends all laughed at Ashley, “Come on tell them what happened. Tell them what Nasty-face did to you.”

“I don’t want to,” protested Ashley. He didn’t want anyone else knowing about how he had made a fool of himself.

“McKay here is scared of heights and doesn’t even know what a mainmast is.”

Ashley could feel his cheeks burning and he felt really hot. His head was thumping and he just wanted to get away from this persecution.

“Every time Mr Alexander sees him, he sends him up the top. It’s hilarious!” exclaimed Blue bursting into laughter.

His friends joined Blue in his merriment.

Ashley stood up rather quickly, “I really must go. Excuse me I-,” but before he could finish his sentence he blacked out.

***

When Ashley woke up he was in a bed and for a moment he thought he was still at home and that his ordeal had been just a nightmare, but he soon realised he wasn’t at home after all. He heard voices out side but the door muffled them. The voices stopped, the door opened and in walked Blue looking somewhat worried. He came and sat on the stool by Ashley’s bed.

“Are you feeling better?”

Ashley paused for a second and thought about the question. His headache was gone, his runny nose wasn’t quite so runny and he generally felt rather more comfortable than he had been feeling.

“I think I'm quite recovered although I confess I have no idea what happened.”

“You fainted, yesterday morning. You had a fever and were delirious. We, well I was concerned for your welfare. The owner of the tavern kindly let us use this room.”

“I fainted? I don’t remember anything since yesterday morning and if I remember correctly you were mocking me in front of your friends.”

The blond midshipman looked down at his feet ashamedly, “I'm sorry about that. I was only teasing. Don’t think I don’t feel guilty you collapsing like that after I’d been so horrid to you.”

“Apology accepted as long as you put in a good word for me now and then.”

“Certainly. The doctor says you’re well enough to resume your duties.”

“I wouldn’t have minded a few more days convalescence before having to face Lieutenant Alexander again. Was the press gang successful or did my little fainting fit spoil things?”

“Actually we were quite fortunate. We now have nearly our full complement just need a couple more ‘volunteers’,” said Blue standing up to leave, “You better get changed quickly. I will be waiting for you down stairs.”

Ashley watched as the midshipman left the room. Once the door had closed he reluctantly pulled himself out of bed. He picked up his uniform that had been neatly folded from a chair by the small fireplace and laid it out on the bed. Ashley put on his uniform, which was dry and warm from the fire; he picked up his hat and walked down the bare wooden stairs to the floor below.

**

 Mr Blue was waiting in the bar for him.

“Before we go have a drink.”

“No I couldn’t.”

“Come on. There’s no harm in one drink. Its on me.”

Ashley didn’t think he should be drinking but Blue was offering to pay for it and he never turned down the offer of a free drink.

“Alright then but just a small one.”

Blue turned to the barman and said, “Two drinks please.”

The two beers were placed on the bar in front of them. Ashley took a sip not wanting to waste anything as his new friend had paid for this treat.

Somehow after the second pint of beer Ashley had lost count. Mr Blue had assured him that one more wouldn’t do any harm, although Ashley was unsure of this claim. He had foolishly drunk far more than was prudent. Ashley was finding it quite hard to stand upright on dry land and it was almost impossible for him to get into the boat. He eventually fell head first into the boat aided by a friendly prod from Mr Blue, who seemed surprisingly sober. Ashley sat in the thwarts of the boat giggling all the way back to the Velox. Although afterwards he couldn’t remember what it was he had found so funny.

In his intoxicated state Ashley forgot his inhibitions and climbed up the side of the ship without a care. He did not even show a trace of alarm even though previously he had frozen with fear at the thought of such heights. As Ashley climbed the side he whistled some merry tune much to the annoyance of the first lieutenant.

“Mr McKay!”

Ashley tried to salute him but found it slightly trickier than before. He was also having trouble staying upright. It seemed that the motion of the ship was much more pronounced than previously.

“Aye, sir?”

“Your late! Where have you been for the last two hours?”

“There’s a perfectly good explanation, sir. I just have to think of it,” Ashley let out a giggle.

“Have you been drinking?” the lieutenant lent forward but immediately drew back and wrinkled his nose in disgust, “I can smell it on your breath. You’re drunk!”

“Am I, sir?” asked Ashley who was not quite in control of his tongue at that point. The communication between his brain and mouth being diluted by the affects of alcohol. 

The lieutenant turned to Mr Blue who looked rather guilty, “Why did you allow Mr McKay to get into this state? You were supposed to be supervising him.”

“We only had a couple of drinks, sir. I didn’t know he couldn’t hold it, sir.”

“You have behaved very irresponsibly Mr Blue and Mr McKay isn’t entirely free from blame. I would enforce my usual punishment but I fear your colleague would not make it to the top in his current state.”

“Is that a challenge, sir?” asked Ashley but the lieutenant ignored him.

“You will get Mr McKay sobered up. Then at six bells you will both receive your punishment.”

“Aye, sir,” said Blue.

 Ashley followed suite but just a beat behind. “Aye, sir.”

***

Later on at six bells Ashley and Blue stood in front of the captain. They were both being reprimanded severely for their behaviour.

“Your shameful behaviour is a disgrace to this ships company! You are supposed to set an example and yet you are not only late you arrive drunk!”

Ashley cringed. He was paying for his overindulgence in alcohol with a splintering headache.

Captain Thompson turned his attention to Mr Blue who was looking rather sheepish, “I would have thought better of you Mr Blue. Not only as you are family but you are the most experienced Midshipman on this ship. I put this impressionable boy in your charge and you have let both him and me down.”

“I'm sorry, sir,” replied Blue solemnly his head hung low.

“Sorry is not good enough! You can’t turn back time with an apology. You should never have allowed this to happen in the first place!”

“Aye, sir.”

“Mr McKay I warned you that if I saw you again I would not deal with you lightly. You are just as much to blame in this incident as Mr Blue. You allowed yourself to be coerced into drinking more than you were capable to handle.”

“Aye, sir.”

“You must now be reaping what you sowed, but a simple hangover is not the only punishment you will have to endure.”

***

Ashley could hear the sound of the drum as he was bent over the gun. He had seen what was going to happen as Blue had gone before him. Ashley cringed as he remembered how Blue had flinched every time the rattan hit home. Yet his fellow midshipman never cried out throughout the ordeal.

Ashley braced himself and screwed his eyes shut in anticipation of the inevitable.

‘Whack!’ The rattan hit him. Ashley winced and almost let out a yelp. It stung awfully where the rattan had struck.

‘Whack!’ the rattan came down again. Ashley thought that it was harder this time than last time. He felt a mixture of emotions; he was angry at having to suffer this humiliating punishment and scared at the same time.

‘Whack!’ The rattan stuck him again. Every time the rattan struck him Ashley winced. He was determined not to show any weakness and to suffer the punishment without crying out but it was a hard thing to endure.

Twelve times the cane struck him and twelve times he resisted the urge to make a noise. Instead he closed his eyes tighter and tried to ignore the pain. When at last it was over Ashley stood up. He stood up slowly as his rear ached from the beating it had received and it was painful to move.

Ashley had hardly a moment to rest before he was told to get back to work. He slid his jacket on, placed his hat on his head and rather cautiously made his way up on deck. He bit his lip trying to resist letting out a little yelp of pain every time he made any kind of significant movement.

When Ashley finally got up on deck he found that he didn’t know quite what he was supposed to do. There were people running all over the place and he seemed to be in the way of all of them. There were men climbing up into dizzying heights and the sails were being unfurled. The anchor was being lifted and Ashley could feel the ship begin to move. Members of the crew were busy doing each of their jobs and Ashley was nearly knocked over several times by some hurried seaman. He looked around hoping to spot Mr Blue somewhere in the bedlam. Ashley finally spotted his friend on the forecastle near the foremast. He waved at his shipmate trying to catch his attention but he was too busy to notice him. Ashley was just about to go up there when he heard the voice he dreaded most bellow at him from the quarterdeck.

“Mr McKay you are more of a hindrance than a help in your current position! Please join me on the quarterdeck where you can do no harm!”

“Aye, sir!” replied Ashley. He made his way up to where the first lieutenant was standing.

“Listen to me you pathetic excuse for a midshipman,” hissed the lieutenant, “You will stay up here and when the captain needs to be informed of anything you will deliver the message. Do you understand me?”

“Aye, sir.”

“And you will do what I have just told you until I say you are off duty.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Your recent punishment seems to have curbed your tongue and cleared your head. Lets hope you wont forget that lesson to soon.” Ashley went to answer but he quickly shut his mouth not wanting to prolong the conversation.

The ship moved swiftly and smoothly through the water. From his vantage point Ashley could see the workings of the ship going on around him. Each member of the crew knew their place and would attend to their duties diligently. The topmen who Ashley thought were either very brave or very foolish were up in the rigging. The white sails billowed out as the wind blew them on. He felt a strange exhilaration as the wind blew past his face. He could smell the sea mixed with the smells of a ship. Ashley could hear the whole ship creak as it strained against the forces exerted upon it. For a moment he worried that the ship would give in under such pressure but on seeing that the crew was not affected by such fears his mind was eased slightly. Ashley relaxed a little and thought that this must be why people joined; it seemed so eerily peaceful as the Velox skimmed across the water. Ashley looked behind him he could just about see the land slowly shrinking away below the horizon. He suddenly felt rather lonely and a great longing to go back. He missed his home. Now all he would have to worry about was his new life aboard the Velox.

Ashley had no idea where the ship was heading but this was not the first time he had not known where he was. He had a very poor sense of direction. When Ashley had enquired of the helmsman as to where their destination was the man had replied, “I don’t know where were supposed to be going. All I do is follow orders, sir.”

Ashley had been on duty for two hours already and had not yet been called upon to perform his ‘duty’ as messenger. His body was aching from having to stand up so long. He held his hands behind his back trying to imitate what the other officers did, hoping that he might learn something as to how an officer should purport himself so that he could impress the first lieutenant. Mr Alexander had appeared and disappeared several times since they had left the port. Each time the first lieutenant glanced over at Ashley with a disapproving look, but Ashley was not the only one that seemed uncomfortable under the first lieutenants watchful gaze. He noticed that the lieutenant of the watch, Mr Bentley, coughed nervously whenever Mr Alexander looked in their direction.

About half an hour later Lieutenant Bentley looked up at the sails then turned to Ashley, “Give the captain my compliments and tell him that the wind is dropping.”

“Aye, sir.” He replied and hurriedly went down to the captain’s cabin. The rather imposing sentry stood to attention outside the open door. The captain noticed Ashley standing out side.

“Come in boy. What is it?”

Ashley walked in he saw that Captain Thompson was sitting at a large desk, which was littered with papers.

“Mr Bentley’s compliments, sir. He said to tell you that the wind was dropping, sir.”

“Very good Mr McKay. Did he say anything else?” Said the Captain in exasperated voice peering over the top of his spectacles. He looked like the last thing he wanted was to be disturbed by a snotty midshipman with a message.

“No, sir.”

“Go and tell him I will be there in a moment.”

“Aye, sir.” Replied Ashley walking out of the cabin.

Ashley walked rather awkwardly as he still experienced twinges of pain in his rear as a result of his punishment. By the time he reached the lieutenant he only had a moment to give his message before the captain appeared. Ashley listened and observed the conversation that went on. They decided to spread more canvas; the order was given and Ashley looked up above and could see the men who seemed so small from his vantage point let one of the sails open.

The captain made a remark to lieutenant Bentley, “Next time inform me of any changes promptly.”

After the captain had seen that the sail was set to his liking he retired back to his cabin. Ashley again took up his position.

After Captain Thompson left Ashley heard the lieutenant mutter something under his breath. Mr Bentley was the junior lieutenant on the Velox and thus was nearer in age to the midshipmen. Because of this nearness in age the lieutenant was always slightly softer on the middies and was more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt. Although from Ashley’s observations Mr Bentley didn’t always get away with this soft approach and regularly received reprimands for being too slack. Ashley was tempted to say something in a way of an apology for being slow at delivering the message but he wasn’t quite sure how to broach the subject. So he decided to keep his mouth shut and not volunteer any information or apologies that weren’t necessary.

It was shortly after Lieutenant Bentley had finished his watch that Ashley was allowed off duty. He hobbled off to receive his rations. Ashley felt starving and his stomach was grumbling in anticipation.

When he sat down with the other midshipmen Ashley was suddenly entirely uncomfortable. They were all looking at him strangely and some were making a poor effort to stifle their laughs. Ashley didn’t know why they all found him so amusing but he felt very disconcerted by their behaviour.

“Is something funny? If there is something please feel free to share the joke with me,” Said Ashley as an open question to the group.

Mr Frost elbowed Blue hard in the ribs; this knocked the wind out of the blond midshipman who said in a rather strained voice, “It’s nothing. You wouldn’t find it funny.”

“Come on. I am not that devoid of humour that I cannot enjoy my shipmates wit,” declared Ashley. He had gained a little more confidence in dealing with his messmates since their first encounter.

“Didn’t you ‘ere ‘im? You won’t find it funny,” said Frost in a menacing tone.

Ashley gulped. He wasn’t about to challenge Frost, at least not on his own. The midshipman was a giant compared to Ashley. For a moment he thought he would rather have another run in with the first lieutenant than have to face Frost in a bad mood.

“I understand,” Ashley replied his voice coming out slightly higher than he had anticipated.

Frost gave a kind of half snort half laugh.

“So piggy squeaks,” he declared to the spectators.

Ashley cringed preparing himself for the barrage of insults he was sure was going to come his way. He took his time eating his meal this time but somehow he didn’t feel quite as hungry sitting under the gaze of his fellow midshipmen.