The Black Moon by Winston Graham

thinking that.'
    `You still believe the war will be long?'
    `Well one tends to underestimate the effect on a French general of knowing that retreat for him means the guillotine,
    `You know more than I can glean from reading the papers, Ross.'
    His eyes were lidded; then he looked up and smiled. `As you know to your cost - I have contacts with gentlemen in the Trade. Now that prosperity has come I no longer take any part in it myself surprising how respectable one grows with money in the purse but my old colleagues are still about. I talk with them sometimes. They bring back news ...'
    `Might they have news before anyone else of this shipwreck?'
    The question surprised him; stupidly it had not occurred to him where her thoughts were leading.
    'Roscoff and the other Brittany ports are some way from where this the Travail went ashore. I have no idea of distances there, but I will ask. Two or three of the men I know speak serviceable French. If there is a hope of finding out anything of value I will go myself.'
    She put her drink down, moistened he r lips. The spirit was bringing colour to her face. `There, is no need to put yourself at risk, but I thought-'
    `Little enough risk. But first I will find out when the next run, is due and ask someone to make inquiries. There is no need to wait for a St Ann's boat if one is not going soon. I have friends at Looe also.'
    `Try both,' said Caroline.
     
    Ross was to spend the night at the Pascoes and was to dine: with Harris Pascoe at three. He found his old friend in very good spirits. Passing through the bank with its two clerks, busy with customers, they, went into the dining-room behind and ate alone.
    Harris said: `You will be delighted with the war news, Ross. Perhaps you have already heard it in town?'
    `No, I ha ve only seen Barbary, who was much concerned for the safety of one of his ships which is overdue with timber; and perhaps he was too worried to take heed of it.'
    'He should not be, for it will directly concern him. Howe has won a f-famous victory off Ushant. He caught the French fleet under Admiral - I do not recollect his name - the French fleet being the larger, and. in
    a day-long battle has cut it to pieces! Seven French ships of the line destroyed or captured and of the rest many seriousl y damaged and all put to flight ! It is one of the greatest victories in history and should bring this detestable regime to its knees! The blockade w ill now be complete !'
    They drank to the victory, and ate hashed mutton and, a roasted goose followed by strawberries with a good French wine and a crusted port. Ross asked if Harris's daughter was away.
    `Not away, but staying with her aunt for a day or two. You have heard that happy news also?'
    'No?'
    ' She is engaged to be married to your c-cousin St John Peter. I wonder you have not heard; though in fact the engagement was only made public at the beginning of this month. We plan an October wedding. It is a very happy time for Joan-and for me also, although I shall greatly miss her. But it is time I had grandsons, and, although my sons are hardly yet fledged, Joan is twenty-nine.' Harris chewed reflectively and took a smal l bone out of his mouth. `I had thought, I had feared .. You remember her attachment for young Dr Enys. It came to nothing - I believe he is now at sea-but I feared that having committed herself, as it were, to him, she might, miss marriage altogether. She does not easily change allegiances. Of course she has known St John - as I have known him - for many year s; but it never occurred to me, as perhaps it did not occur to her, that any attachment might develop. I am happy also that through this marriage the Pascoes and the Poldarks will be brought a little nearer together. It's a very favourable outcome.'
    Ross murmured his congratulations. Perhaps, Harris Pascoe detected some reservation in his guest's g ood wishes, for he said: `Oh, I know St John Peter has not been the most industrious or studious of young