“I shall have to ask tribute from all the towns, and I don’t mean to be hard on them; but they must pay, if only as evidence to convince London that we are doing something. I know they are in a bad state financially but that’s their lookout.”
“In case they refuse, Captain Raggett, what are you going to do?”
Captain Raggett’s expression hardened. “They dare not refuse, Fotheringay. The salt works along the shore can easily be destroyed by our guns, and as salt-making is the principal industry the people will think a long time before they invite its destruction. We can throw shots into the villages, but I shall not resort to such extreme measures until I am forced to do so.”
“Brewster has an artillery company, I understand, sir, and it may do some damage to a landing party?”
“There will be no landing party, Fotheringay, unless we get reinforcements. I have been considering that point and I have come to the conclusion that these accursed flats are the greatest ally of the Cape Codders. Now, I have made up my mind to send the schooner on a surveying cruise in the bay and I purpose to have your friend Mayo act as pilot. Dunton will be the officer in charge of the schooner.”
“I foresee trouble, Captain Raggett. Dunton heartily hates all Americans and there is sure to be a clash. You know Dunton’s surly disposition?”
“Yes; but he’s a good man in his place. He’s sour because so many younger men have got ahead of him in the service. I don’t admire his surliness, but he’s just the man I want for this surveying business. The fact that he has got a Yankee pilot will make him suspicious, and with such a shrewd antagonist as Mayo he will require to be on the alert. I look for good results from the expedition.”
“It will take some time to survey so much shore line.”
“Oh, there’s no hurry about it. However, it should not take over a week if the weather continues fine. I intend to take the frigate for a practice cruise off Boston, but with a crew of about twenty Dunton should be able to protect himself during my absence.”
“That should be an ample force, sir. By the way, have you informed Captain Mayo of your purpose?”