9781784751098

Praise for DIANA GABALDON ‘A blockbuster hit!’ Wall Street Journal ‘Stunning’ Los Angeles Daily News ‘Triumphant . . . Her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Diana Gabaldon as a superior writer.’ Publishers Weekly ‘The writing is superb – lush, evocative, sensual, with a wealth of historical detail.’ Library Journal

Also available by Diana Gabaldon FICTION Outlander (previously published as Cross Stitch) Dragonfly in Amber Voyager Drums of Autumn The Fiery Cross A Breath of Snow and Ashes An Echo in the Bone Written in My Own Heart’s Blood THE LORD JOHN GREY SERIES Lord John and the Private Matter Lord John and the Hand of Devils Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade NON-FICTION Through the Stones The Outlandish Companion The Official Outlander Colouring Book

The Custom of the Army The Space Between | A Plague of Zombies A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows Virgins | A Fugitive Green | Besieged

1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 Arrow Books 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 2SA Arrow is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at global.penguinrandomhouse.com.

Copyright for this collection © Diana Gabaldon 2017 “The Custom of the Army” copyright © Diana Gabaldon 2010 “The Space Between” © Diana Gabaldon 2013 “A Plague of Zombies” © Diana Gabaldon 2011 “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” © Diana Gabaldon 2010 “Virgins” © Diana Gabaldon 2013 Diana Gabaldon has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this Work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

First published as this collection in Great Britain by Century in 2017 (First published in the USA by Delacorte Press 2017) First published in paperback by Arrow Books in 2018 “The Custom of the Army” was originally published in Warriors, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, published by Tor Books, a division of Macmillan, in 2010. “The Space Between” was originally published in The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Domination: Original Short Fiction for the Modern Evil Genius, edited by John Joseph Adams, published by Tor Books, a division of Macmillan, in 2013. “A Plague of Zombies” was originally published as “Lord John and the Plague of Zombies” in Down These Strange Streets: All-New Stories of Urban Fantasy, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, published by Ace Books, a division of Penguin, in 2011. “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” was originally published in Songs of Love and Death: All Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love, edited by George R. R. Martin, published by Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, in 2010. “Virgins” was originally published in Dangerous Women, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, published by Tor Books, a division of Macmillan, in 2013. www.penguin.co.uk A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781784751098 Printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc Penguin Random House is committed to a sustainable future for our business, our readers and our planet. This book is made from Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper.

This book is dedicated with the greatest respect and gratitude to Karen Henry, Rita Meistrell, Vicki Pack, Sandy Parker, and Mandy Tidwell (collectively known as “the Cadre of Eyeball-Numbing Nitpickery”) for their invaluable help in spotting errors, inconsistencies, and assorted rubbish.

(Any errors remaining in the text are purely the responsibility of the author, who not only blithely ignores inconsistencies on occasion, but has been known to deliberately perpetrate others.)

Contents Contents Contents

Introduction Introduction xi xi Introduction xi

The The Custom Custom of of the the Army Army 33 The Custom of the Army 3 The The Space Space Between Between 67 67 The Space Between 67 Plague Plague of of Zombies Zombies 153 153 AAA Plague of Zombies 153 Leaf Leaf on on the the Wind Wind of of AAA Leaf on the Wind of All All Hallows Hallows 221 221 All Hallows 221 Virgins Virgins 265 265 Virgins 265 Fugitive Fugitive Green Green 333 333 AAA Fugitive Green 333 Besieged Besieged 455 455 Besieged 455 Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 525 525 Acknowledgments 525

Introduction Introduction

AA Chronology Chronology of of the the Outlander Outlander Series Series

I

ffyou youpicked pickedthis thisbook bookup upunder underthe themisapprehension misapprehensionthat thatit’s it’sthe theninth ninth Outlanderseries, series,it’s it’snot. not.IIapologize. apologize. novel novelin inthe themain mainOutlander So, So, ifif it’s it’s not not the the ninth ninth novel, novel, what what isis it? it? Well, Well, it’s it’s aa collection collection of of seven seven......er er......things, things, of of varying varying length length and and content, content, but but all all having having to to Outlanderuniverse. universe.As Asfor forthe thetitle title......basically, basically,it’s it’sthe theresult result do dowith withthe theOutlander Salmagundi.**Not Notthat thatII of ofmy myeditor editornot notliking likingmy myoriginal originaltitle titlechoice, choice,Salmagundi. couldn’t couldn’tsee seeher herpoint point......Anyway, Anyway,there therewas wasaapolite politerequest requestvia viamy myagent agent for forsomething somethingmore morein inline linewith withthe the“resonant, “resonant,poetic” poetic”nature natureof ofthe themain main titles. titles.

Without Withoutgoing goingtoo toomuch muchinto intothe themental mentalprocess processthat thatled ledto tothis this(words (words like like “sausage“sausage-making” making” and and “rock“rock-polishing” polishing” come come to to mind), mind), II wanted wanted aa title title that that atat least least suggested suggested that that there there were were aa number number of of elements elements in in this this Seven),),and andSeven SevenStones Stonesjust justcame camenaturally, naturally,and andthat thatwas was book book(hence (hencethe theSeven nice nice(“stone” (“stone”isisalways alwaysaaweighty weightyword) word)and andsuitably suitablyalliterative alliterativebut butnot notaa complete completepoetic poeticthought thought(or (orrhythm). rhythm).So, So,aabit bitmore morethinkering thinkering(no, (no,that’s that’s Standor orFall, Fall,which whichsounded soundedsuitably suitably not notaatypo), typo),and andIIcame cameup upwith withtotoStand portentous. portentous. expost postfacto facto thought thought to to figure figure out out what what the the heck heck that that ItIt took took aa bit bit of of ex meant, meant,but butthings thingsusually usuallydo domean meansomething somethingififyou youthink thinklong longenough. enough.

In In this this instance, instance, the the “stand “stand or or fall” fall” has has to to do do with with people’s people’s response response to to grief grief and and adversity: adversity: to to wit, wit, ifif you you aren’t aren’t killed killed outright outright by by whatever whatever haphappened, pened, you you have have aa choice choice in in how how the the rest rest of of your your life life isis lived— lived—you you keep keep standing, standing,though thoughbattered batteredand andworn wornby bytime timeand andelements, elements,still stillaabuttress buttress and andaasignpost— signpost—or oryou youfall falland andreturn returnquietly quietlyto tothe theearth earthfrom fromwhich whichyou you sprang, sprang,your yourelements elementsgiving givingsuccor succorto tothose thosewho whocome comeafter afteryou. you. ** Salmagundi: Salmagundi:1)1)AAcollection collectionofofdisparate disparateelements, elements,oror2)2)aadish dishcomposed composedofofmeats, meats,fruits, fruits, vegetables, vegetables,and/or and/orany anyother otheritems itemsthe thecook cookhas hason onhand, hand,often oftenprovided providedasasan anad adhoc hocacaccompaniment companimenttotoan aninsufficient insufficientmeal. meal.

Introduction Introduction

xxii xii

So. So. This This is is (as (asthe thefront frontcover coversuggests) suggests)aacollection collectionof ofseven sevennovellas novellas (fiction (fictionshorter shorterthan thanaanovel novelbut butlonger longerthan thanaashort shortstory), story),though thoughall allof of Outlanderuniverse universeand anddo dointersect intersectwith withthe the them themare areindeed indeedpart partof ofthe theOutlander main mainnovels. novels.

Five Five of of the the novellas novellas included included in in this this book book were were originally originally written written for for various various anthologies anthologies over over the the last last few few years; years; two two are are brandbrand-new new and and have have never neverbeen beenpublished publishedbefore: before:“A “AFugitive FugitiveGreen” Green”and and“Besieged.”

“Besieged.”

Owing Owingto todifferences differencesamong amongpublishers publishersin indifferent differentcountries, countries,some someof of the the previously previously published published novellas novellas may may subsequently subsequently have have been been published published in in print print form form asas aa fourfour-story story collection collection (in (in the the UK UK and and Germany) Germany) or or asas SevenStones Stones provides providesaacomplete complete separate separateebooks ebooks(in (inthe theUnited UnitedStates).

States).Seven print print collection collection for for those those readers readers who who like like tactile tactile books books and and includes includes the the two twonew newstories. stories.

Since Sincethe thenovellas novellasfit fitinto intothe themain mainseries seriesatatdifferent differentpoints points(and (andinvolve involve aa number number of of different different characters), characters), below below isis an an overall overall chronology chronology of of the the Outlander Outlanderseries, series,to toexplain explainWho, Who,What, What,and andWhen.

When.

The The Outlander Outlander series seriesincludes includesthree threekinds kindsof ofstories: stories: The TheBig, Big,Enormous EnormousBooks Booksof ofthe themain mainseries, series,which whichhave haveno nodisdiscernible cerniblegenre genre(or (orall allof ofthem); them); The The Shorter, Shorter, Less Less Indescribable Indescribable Novels, Novels, which which are are more more or or less less historical historical mysteries mysteries (though (though dealing dealing also also with with battles, battles, eels, eels, and and asassorted sortedsexual sexualpractices); practices); And And The TheBulges,— Bulges,—these thesebeing beingshort(er) short(er)pieces piecesthat thatfit fitsomewhere somewhereininside side the the story story lines lines of of the the novels, novels, much much in in the the nature nature of of squirmsquirming ing prey prey swallowed swallowed by by aa large large snake. snake. These These deal deal frequently— frequently—but but not notexclusively— exclusively—with withsecondary secondarycharacters, characters,are areprequels prequelsor orsequels, sequels, and/or and/orfill fillsome somelacuna lacunaleft leftin inthe theoriginal originalstory storylines. lines.

The TheBig BigBooks Booksof ofthe themain mainseries seriesdeal dealwith withthe thelives livesand andtimes timesof ofClaire Claire and and Jamie Jamie Fraser.

Fraser. The The shorter shorter novels novels focus focus on on the the adventures adventures of of Lord Lord The Scottish Scottish Prisoner, Prisoner, for for John John Grey Grey but but intersect intersect with with the the larger larger books books ((The example, example,features featuresboth bothLord LordJohn Johnand andJamie JamieFraser Fraserin inaashared sharedstory). story).The The novellas novellas all all feature feature people people from from the the main main series, series, including including Jamie Jamie and/or and/or Claire Claire on on occasion. occasion. The The description description below below explains explains which which characters characters apappear pearin inwhich whichstories. stories.

Introduction Introduction

xi xiii xiii

Most Mostof ofthe theshorter shorterLord LordJohn Johnnovels novelsand andnovellas novellas(so (sofar) far)fit fitwithin withinaa Voyager,in inthe theyears yearsbetween between1756 1756and and large largelacuna lacunaleft leftin inthe themiddle middleof ofVoyager, 1761.

1761.Some Someof ofthe theBulges Bulgesalso alsofall fallin inthis thisperiod; period;others othersdon’t. don’t.

So, So, for for the the reader’s reader’s convenience, convenience, the the detailed detailed listing listing here here shows shows the the However, itit sequence sequence of of the the various various elements elements in in terms terms of of the the story story line. line. However, should shouldbe benoted notedthat thatthe theshorter shorternovels novelsand andnovellas novellasare areall alldesigned designedin insuch such withoutreference referenceeither eitherto toone oneanother another aaway waythat thatthey theymay maybe beread readalone, alone,without or or to to the the Big, Big, Enormous Enormous Books— Books—should should you you be be in in the the mood mood for for aa light light literary literarysnack snackinstead insteadof ofthe theninenine-course coursemeal mealwith withwine winepairings pairingsand anddesdessert serttrolley. trolley.

(For (Foryour youradded addedconvenience, convenience,the thedescription descriptionof ofeach eachstory storyincludes includesthe the dates datescovered coveredin init, it,and,— and,—ififitithas hasbeen beenpublished publishedbefore, before,the theoriginal originalananthology thologytitle titleand andyear yearof ofpublication publicationare arealso alsogiven. given.This Thisinformation informationwill will be be mostly mostly useful useful to to collectors collectors and and hardcore hardcore bibliophiles, bibliophiles, but but we we aim aim to to please pleaseasasmany manypeople peopleasaspossible.) possible.) (novella)— —Set Setin in1740 1740in inFrance.

France.In Inwhich whichJamie JamieFraser Fraser “Virgins” “Virgins”(novella) (aged (aged nineteen) nineteen) and and his his friend friend Ian Ian Murray Murray (aged (aged twenty) twenty) become become Dangeryoung youngmercenaries. mercenaries.[Originally [Originallypublished publishedin inthe theanthology anthologyDangereds.George GeorgeR. R.R. R.Martin Martinand andGardner GardnerDozois, Dozois,2012.]

2012.] ous ousWomen, Women,eds.

Outlander Outlander(novel) (novel)— —IfIfyou’ve you’venever neverread readany anyof ofthe theseries, series,I’d I’dsugsuggest geststarting startinghere. here.IfIfyou’re you’reunsure unsureabout aboutit, it,open openthe thebook bookanywhere anywhere and and read read three three pages; pages; ifif you you can can put put itit down down again, again, I’ll I’ll give give you you aa dollar. dollar.(1946/1743) (1946/1743) Dragonfly Dragonflyin inAmber Amber(novel) (novel)— —ItItdoesn’t doesn’tstart startwhere whereyou youthink thinkit’s it’s going goingto. to.And Andititdoesn’t doesn’tend endhow howyou youthink thinkit’s it’sgoing goingto, to,either. either.Just Just keep keepreading; reading;it’ll it’llbe befine. fine.(1968/1744– (1968/1744–46) 46) (novella)— —Set Setin in1744– 1744–45 45in inParis, Paris,London, London, “A “AFugitive FugitiveGreen” Green”(novella) and andAmsterdam, Amsterdam,this thisisisthe thestory storyof ofLord LordJohn’s John’selder elderbrother, brother,Hal Hal (Harold, (Harold,Earl EarlMelton Meltonand andDuke Dukeof ofPardloe), Pardloe),and andhis his(eventual) (eventual)wife, wife, Minnie— Minnie—atatthe thetime timeof ofthis thisstory storyaaseventeenseventeen-yearyear-old olddealer dealerin inrare rare books bookswith withaasideline sidelinein inforgery, forgery,blackmail, blackmail,and andburglary. burglary.Jamie JamieFraFraser seralso alsoappears appearsin inthis thisone. one.

Voyager Voyager(novel) (novel)— —This Thiswon wonan anaward awardfrom fromEW EWmagazine magazinefor for“Best “Best Opening OpeningLine.”

Line.”(To (Tosave saveyou youhaving havingto tofind findaacopy copyjust justto toread readthe the Hewas wasdead. dead.However, However,his hisnose nosethrobbed throbbedpainfully, painfully, opening, opening, itit was: was: He you’rereading readingthe thesesewhich whichhe hethought thoughtodd oddin inthe thecircumstances. circumstances.))IfIfyou’re ries ries in in order order rather rather than than piecemeal, piecemeal, you you do do want want to to read read this this book book before beforetackling tacklingthe thenovellas. novellas.(1968/1746– (1968/1746–67) 67)

xii xiv xiv

Introduction Introduction

Lord Lord John John and and the the Hand Hand ofof Devils, Devils, “Lord “Lord John John and and the the Hellfire Hellfire (short story) story)— —Just Just to to add add an an extra extra layer layer of of confusion, confusion, The The Club” Club” (short collectionthat thatincludes includesthree threenovellas. novellas.The Thefirst first Hand HandofofDevils Devilsisisaacollection one, one, “Lord “Lord John John and and the the Hellfire Hellfire Club,” Club,” isis set set in in London London in in 1756 1756 and and deals deals with with aa redred-haired haired man man who who approaches approaches Lord Lord John John Grey Grey with withan anurgent urgentplea pleafor forhelp, help,just justbefore beforedying dyingin infront frontof ofhim. him.[Orig[OrigPastPoisons, Poisons,ed. ed.Maxim MaximJakubowski, Jakubowski, inally inallypublished publishedin inthe theanthology anthologyPast 1998.]

1998.]

Lord Lord John John and and the the Private Private Matter Matter (novel) (novel)— —Set Set in in London London in in 1757, 1757, this this isis aa historical historical mystery mystery steeped steeped in in blood blood and and even even lesslesssavory savorysubstances, substances,in inwhich whichLord LordJohn Johnmeets meets(in (inshort shortorder) order)aavalet, valet, aa traitor, traitor, an an apothecary apothecary with with aa sure sure cure cure for for syphilis, syphilis, aa bumptious bumptious German, German,and andan anunscrupulous unscrupulousmerchant merchantprince. prince.

Lord LordJohn Johnand andthe theHand HandofofDevils, Devils,“Lord “LordJohn Johnand andthe theSuccubus” Succubus” (novella) (novella)— —The Thesecond secondnovella novellain inthe theHand HandofofDevils Devilscollection collectionfinds finds

Lord Lord John John in in Germany Germany in in 1757, 1757, having having unsettling unsettling dreams dreams about about Jamie Jamie Fraser, Fraser, unsettling unsettling encounters encounters with with Saxon Saxon princesses, princesses, night night hags, hags,and andaareally reallydisturbing disturbingencounter encounterwith withaabig bigblond blondHanoverian Hanoverian LegendsII, II, ed. ed.Robert Robert graf. graf.[Originally [Originallypublished publishedin inthe theanthology anthologyLegends Silverberg, Silverberg,2003.]

2003.]

Lord LordJohn Johnand andthe theBrotherhood Brotherhoodofofthe theBlade Blade (novel) (novel)— —The The second second fullfull-length length novel novel focused focused on on Lord Lord John John (though (though Jamie Jamie Fraser Fraser also also appears) appears)isisset setin in1758, 1758,deals dealswith withaatwentytwenty-yearyear-old oldfamily familyscandal, scandal, and and sees sees Lord Lord John John engaged engaged atat close close range range with with exploding exploding cannon cannon and andeven evenmore moredangerously dangerouslyexplosive explosiveemotions. emotions.

Lord LordJohn Johnand andthe theHand HandofofDevils, Devils,“Lord “LordJohn Johnand andthe theHaunted Haunted (novella)— —The Thethird thirdnovella novellain inthis thiscollection collectionisisset setin in1758, 1758, Soldier” Soldier”(novella) in in London London and and the the Woolwich Woolwich Arsenal.

Arsenal. In In which which Lord Lord John John faces faces aa court courtof ofinquiry inquiryinto intothe theexplosion explosionof ofaacannon cannonand andlearns learnsthat thatthere there are aremoremore-dangerous dangerousthings thingsin inthe theworld worldthan thangunpowder. gunpowder.

“The “The Custom Custom of of the the Army” Army” (novella) (novella)— —Set Set in in 1759.

1759. In In which which his his lordship lordship attends attends an an electricelectric-eel eel party party in in London London and and conseconsequently quentlyends endsup upatatthe theBattle Battleof ofQuebec.

Quebec.He’s He’sjust justthe thesort sortof ofperson person Warriors, eds. eds. things things like like that that happen happen to. to. [Originally [Originally published published in in Warriors, George GeorgeR. R.R. R.Martin Martinand andGardner GardnerDozois, Dozois,2010.]

2010.]

The TheScottish ScottishPrisoner Prisoner(novel) (novel)— —This Thisone’s one’sset setin in1760, 1760,in inthe theLake Lake District, District, London, London, and and Ireland.

Ireland. AA sort sort of of hybrid hybrid novel, novel, it’s it’s divided divided

Introduction Introduction

xiii xv xv

evenly evenlybetween betweenJamie JamieFraser Fraserand andLord LordJohn JohnGrey, Grey,who whoare arerecountrecounting ingtheir theirdifferent differentperspectives perspectivesin inaatale taleof ofpolitics, politics,corruption, corruption,murmurder, der,opium opiumdreams, dreams,horses, horses,and andillegitimate illegitimatesons. sons. (novella)— —Set Setin in1761 1761in inJamaica, Jamaica,when when “A “APlague Plagueof ofZombies” Zombies”(novella) Lord Lord John John isis sent sent in in command command of of aa battalion battalion to to put put down down aa slave slave rebellion rebellion and and discovers discovers aa hitherto hitherto unsuspected unsuspected affinity affinity for for snakes, snakes, Down These These cockroaches, cockroaches, and and zombies. zombies. [Originally [Originally published published in in Down eds. George George R. R. R. R. Martin Martin and and Gardner Gardner Dozois, Dozois, Strange Strange Streets, Streets, eds.

2011.]

2011.]

Drums DrumsofofAutumn Autumn(novel) (novel)— —The Thefourth fourthnovel novelof ofthe themain mainseries, series, this thisone onebegins beginsin in1767, 1767,in inthe theNew NewWorld, World,where whereJamie Jamieand andClaire Claire find findaafoothold footholdin inthe themountains mountainsof ofNorth NorthCarolina, Carolina,and andtheir theirdaughdaughter, ter, Brianna, Brianna, finds finds aa whole whole lot lot of of things things she she didn’t didn’t expect, expect, when when aa sinister sinister newspaper newspaper clipping clipping sends sends her her in in search search of of her her parents. parents.

(1969– (1969–1970/1767– 1970/1767–70) 70) The The Fiery Fiery Cross Cross (novel) (novel)— —The The historical historical background background to to this, this, the the fifth fifthnovel novelof ofthe themain mainseries, series,isisthe theWar Warof ofthe theRegulation Regulationin inNorth North Carolina Carolina(1767– (1767–1771), 1771),which whichwas wasmore moreor orless lessaadress dressrehearsal rehearsalfor for the the oncoming oncoming Revolution.

Revolution. In In which which Jamie Jamie Fraser Fraser becomes becomes aa relucreluctant tant Rebel, Rebel, his his wife, wife, Claire, Claire, becomes becomes aa conjureconjure-woman, woman, and and their their grandson, grandson,Jeremiah, Jeremiah,gets getsdrunk drunkon oncherry cherrybounce. bounce.Something SomethingMuch Much Worse Worsehappens happensto toBrianna’s Brianna’shusband, husband,Roger, Roger,but butI’m I’mnot nottelling tellingyou you what. what.This Thiswon wonseveral severalawards awardsfor for“Best “BestLast LastLine,” Line,”but butI’m I’mnot nottelltelling ingyou youthat, that,either. either.(1770– (1770–1772) 1772) AABreath BreathofofSnow Snowand andAshes Ashes(novel) (novel)— —Sixth Sixthnovel novelof ofthe themain mainseseries, ries,this thisbook bookwon wonthe the2006 2006Corine CorineInternational InternationalPrize Prizefor forFiction Fiction and and aa Quill Quill Award Award (this (this book book beat beat novels novels by by both both George George R. R. R. R. andStephen StephenKing, King,which whichIIthought thoughtwas waspretty prettyentertaining; entertaining; Martin Martinand thathappen?). happen?).All Allthe thebooks bookshave havean aninternal internal IImean, mean,how howoften oftendoes doesthat “shape” “shape” that that II see see while while I’m I’m writing writing them. them. This This one one looks looks like like the the Hokusai Hokusai print print titled titled “The “The Great Great Wave Wave Off Off Kanagawa.”

Kanagawa.” Think Think tsunami tsunami— —two twoof ofthem. them.(1773– (1773–1776/1980) 1776/1980) An An Echo Echo in in the the Bone Bone (novel)— (novel)—Set Set in in America, America, London, London, Canada, Canada, and andScotland, Scotland,this thisisisthe theseventh seventhnovel novelof ofthe themain mainseries. series.The Thebook’s book’s cover coverimage imagereflects reflectsthe theinternal internalshape shapeof ofthe thenovel: novel:aacaltrop. caltrop.That’s That’s an an ancient ancient military military weapon weapon that that looks looks like like aa child’s child’s jack jack with with sharp sharp points; points;the theRomans Romansused usedthem themto todeter deterelephants, elephants,and andthe thehighway highway patrol patrolstill stilluses usesthem themto tostop stopfleeing fleeingperps perpsin incars. cars.This Thisbook bookhas hasfour four

xiv xvi xvi

Introduction Introduction

major majorstory storylines: lines:Jamie Jamieand andClaire; Claire;Roger Rogerand andBrianna Brianna(and (andfamily); family); Lord LordJohn Johnand andWilliam; William;and andYoung YoungIan, Ian,all allintersecting intersectingin inthe thenexus nexus of of the the American American Revolution— Revolution—and and all all the the stories stories have have sharp sharp points. points.

(1776– (1776–1778/1980) 1778/1980)

Written Written in in My My Own Own Heart’s Heart’s Blood Blood (novel) (novel)— —The The eighth eighth book book of of Bloodbegins beginswhere whereAn AnEcho Echoin inthe theBone Boneleaves leavesoff, off, the themain mainseries, series,Blood in in the the summer summer of of 1778 1778 (and (and the the autumn autumn of of 1980).

1980). The The American American Revolution Revolutionisisin infull fullroar, roar,and andaalot lotof offairly fairlyhorrifying horrifyingthings thingsare arehaphappening peningin inScotland Scotlandin inthe the1980s, 1980s,too. too. (short story story [no, [no, really, really, itit “A “A Leaf Leaf on on the the Wind Wind of of All All Hallows” Hallows” (short —Set Set(mostly) (mostly)in in1941– 1941–43, 43,this thisisisthe thestory storyof ofWhat WhatReally ReallyHapHapis]) is])—

pened pened to to Roger Roger MacKenzie’s MacKenzie’s parents. parents. [Originally [Originally published published in in the the Songs ofof Love Love and and Death, Death, eds. eds. George George R. R. R. R. Martin Martin and and anthology anthology Songs Gardner GardnerDozois, Dozois,2010.]

2010.] (novella)— —Set Setin in1778, 1778,mostly mostlyin inParis, Paris,this this “The “TheSpace SpaceBetween” Between”(novella) novella novelladeals dealswith withMichael MichaelMurray Murray(Young (YoungIan’s Ian’selder elderbrother), brother),Joan Joan MacKimmie MacKimmie(Marsali’s (Marsali’syounger youngersister), sister),the theComte ComteSt. St.Germain Germain(who (who isisNot NotDead DeadAfter AfterAll), All),Mother MotherHildegarde, Hildegarde,and andaafew fewother otherpersons persons what?ItItdepends dependswho whoyou’re you’retalking talking of ofinterest. interest.The Thespace spacebetween betweenwhat?

TheMad MadScientist’s Scientist’sGuide Guide to. to.[Originally [Originallypublished publishedin inthe theanthology anthologyThe ed.John JohnJoseph JosephAdams, Adams,2013] 2013] totoWorld WorldDomination, Domination,ed.

“Besieged” “Besieged” (novella) (novella)— —Set Set in in 1762 1762 in in Jamaica Jamaica and and Havana.

Havana. Lord Lord John, John,about aboutto toleave leavehis hispost postasastemporary temporarymilitary militarygovernor governorof ofJaJamaica, maica, learns learns that that his his mother mother isis in in Havana, Havana, Cuba.

Cuba. Which Which would would be be fine, fine,save savethat thatthe theBritish BritishNavy Navyisison onits itsway wayto tolay laysiege siegeto tothe thecity. city.

Attended Attendedby byhis hisvalet, valet,Tom TomByrd, Byrd,an anexex-zombie zombienamed namedRodrigo, Rodrigo,and and Rodrigo’s Rodrigo’s homicidally homicidally inclined inclined wife, wife, Azeel, Azeel, Lord Lord John John sets sets out out to to rescue rescue the the erstwhile erstwhile Dowager Dowager Duchess Duchess of of Pardloe Pardloe before before the the warwarships shipsarrive. arrive.

NOW, NOW, REMEMBER REMEMBER .. ....

You You can can read read the the short short novels novels and and novellas novellas by by themselves, themselves, or or in in any any order orderyou youlike. like.IIwould wouldrecommend recommendreading readingthe theBig, Big,Enormous EnormousBooks Booksof of the themain mainseries seriesin inorder, order,though. though.Hope Hopeyou youenjoy enjoythem themall! all!

The The Custom Custom of of the the Army Army

Introduction Introduction

One One of of the the pleasures pleasures of of writing writing historical historical fiction fiction isis that that the the best best parts parts aren’t aren’t made made up. up. This This particular particular story story came cameabout aboutasasthe theresult resultof ofmy myhaving havingread readWendy WendyMoore’s Moore’sexcellent excellent TheKnife KnifeMan Man— —and andmy myhaving havingread read biography biographyof ofDr. Dr.John JohnHunter, Hunter,The atatthe thesame sametime timeaabrief brieffacsimile facsimilebook bookprinted printedby bythe theNational NationalPark Park Service, Service,detailing detailingregulations regulationsof ofthe theBritish BritishArmy Armyduring duringthe theAmeriAmerican canRevolution.

Revolution. lookingfor foranything anythingin inparticular particularin ineither eitherof ofthese thesebooks; books; IIwasn’t wasn’tlooking just justreading readingfor forbackground, background,general generalinformation informationon onthe theperiod, period,and and the the always always alluring alluring chance chance of of stumbling stumbling across across something something fascinatfascinating, ing,like likeelectric electriceel eelparties partiesin inLondon London(these, (these,along alongwith withDr. Dr.Hunter Hunter himself— himself—who whoappears appearsbriefly brieflyin inthis thisstory— story—are areaamatter matterof ofhistorical historical record). record).

As As for for British British Army Army regulations, regulations, aa little little of of that that stuff stuff goes goes aa long long way; way; asas aa novelist, novelist, you you want want to to resist resist the the temptation temptation to to tell tell people people things things just just because because you you happen happen to to know know them. them. Still, Still, that that book book too too had hadits itslittle littlenuggets, nuggets,such suchasasthe theinformation informationthat thatthe theword word“bomb” “bomb” was was common common in in the the eighteenth eighteenth century, century, and and that that (in (in addition addition to to merely merelymeaning meaning“an “anexplosive explosivedevice”) device”)ititreferred referredalso alsoto toaawrapped wrapped and andtarred tarredparcel parcelof ofshrapnel shrapnelshot shotfrom fromaacannon cannon(though (thoughwe wemust must be be careful careful not not to to use use the the word word “shrapnel,” “shrapnel,” asas it’s it’s derived derived from from Lt. Lt. Henry HenryShrapnel Shrapnelof ofthe theRoyal RoyalArtillery, Artillery,who whotook tookthe theoriginal original“bomb” “bomb” concept concept and and developed developed the the “shrapnel “shrapnel shell,” shell,” aa debrisdebris-filled filled bomb bomb filled filledalso alsowith withgunpowder gunpowderand anddesigned designedto toexplode explodein inmidmid-air airafter after being beingfired firedfrom fromaacannon; cannon;unfortunately, unfortunately,he hedid didthis thisin in1784, 1784,which which was wasinconvenient, inconvenient,asas“shrapnel” “shrapnel”isisaapretty prettygood goodword wordto tohave havewhen when writing writingabout aboutwarfare). warfare).

Among Amongthe theother otherbits bitsof ofinteresting interestingtrivia, trivia,though, though,IIwas wasstruck struckby by Thecustom customofof aabrief briefdescription descriptionof ofthe theprocedure procedurefor forcourtscourts-martial: martial:The the the army army isis that that aa courtcourt-martial martial be be presided presided over over by by aa senior senior officer officer and andsuch suchaanumber numberofofother otherofficers officersas ashe heshall shallthink thinkfit fittotoserve serveas ascouncouncil, cil, these these being being generally generally four four in in number, number, but but can can be be more more but but not not generally generallyless lessthan thanthree. three.. .. .. .The Theperson personaccused accusedshall shallhave havethe theright righttoto

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call call witnesses witnesses in in his his support, support, and and the the council council shall shall question question these, these, as as well well as as any any other other persons persons whom whom they they may may wish, wish, and and shall shall thus thus deterdetermine mine the the circumstances, circumstances, and and ifif conviction conviction ensue, ensue, the the sentence sentence toto be be imposed. imposed.

And Andthat thatwas wasit. it.No Noelaborate elaborateprocedures proceduresfor forthe theintroduction introductionof of evidence, evidence, no no standards standards for for conviction, conviction, no no sentencing sentencing guidelines, guidelines, no no requirements requirements for for who who could could or or should should serve serve asas “council” “council” to to aa courtcourt-martial— martial—just just “the “the custom custom of of the the army.” army.” The The phrase— phrase—rather rather obviously— obviously—stuck stuckin inmy myhead. head.

This Thisstory storyisisfor forKaren KarenHenry, Henry,Aedile AedileCurule, Curule, and andChief ChiefBumblebeeBumblebee-Herder Herder

A

ll ll things things considered, considered,ititwas wasprobably probablythe thefault faultof ofthe the electric electriceel. eel.John JohnGrey Greycould— could—and andfor foraatime, time,did— did—blame blamethe theHonHonorable orable Caroline Caroline Woodford, Woodford, asas well. well. And And the the surgeon. surgeon. And And certainly certainly that that blasted blastedpoet. poet.Still Still......no, no,ititwas wasthe theeel’s eel’sfault. fault.

The Theparty partyhad hadbeen beenatatLucinda LucindaJoffrey’s Joffrey’shouse. house.Sir SirRichard Richardwas wasabsent; absent; aadiplomat diplomatof ofhis hisstature staturecould couldnot nothave havecountenanced countenancedsomething somethingso sofrivofrivolous. lous.ElectricElectric-eel eelparties partieswere wereaamania maniain inLondon Londonjust justnow, now,but butowing owingto to the thescarcity scarcityof ofthe thecreatures, creatures,aaprivate privateparty partywas wasaarare rareoccasion. occasion.Most Mostsuch such parties parties were were held held atat public public theaters, theaters, with with the the fortunate fortunate few few selected selected for for encounter encounterwith withthe theeel eelsummoned summonedonstage, onstage,there thereto tobe beshocked shockedand andsent sent reeling reelinglike likeninepins ninepinsfor forthe theentertainment entertainmentof ofthe theaudience. audience.

“The “Therecord recordisisfortyforty-two twoatatonce!” once!”Caroline Carolinehad hadtold toldhim, him,her hereyes eyeswide wide and andshining shiningasasshe shelooked lookedup upfrom fromthe thecreature creaturein inits itstank. tank.

“Really?”

“Really?”ItItwas wasone oneof ofthe themost mostpeculiar peculiarthings thingshe’d he’dseen, seen,though thoughnot not very verystriking. striking.Nearly Nearlythree threefeet feetlong, long,itithad hadaaheavy, heavy,squarish squarishbody bodywith withaa blunt blunt head, head, which which looked looked to to have have been been inexpertly inexpertly molded molded out out of of sculpsculptor’s tor’sclay, clay,and andtiny tinyeyes eyeslike likedull dullglass glassbeads. beads.ItIthad hadlittle littlein incommon commonwith with the thelashing, lashing,lithesome lithesomeeels eelsof ofthe thefish fishmarket— market—and andcertainly certainlydid didnot notseem seem capable capableof offelling fellingfortyforty-two twopeople peopleatatonce. once.

The Thething thinghad hadno nograce graceatatall, all,save savefor foraasmall smallthin thinruffle ruffleof ofaafin finthat thatran ran the the length length of of its its lower lower body, body, undulating undulating asas aa gauze gauze curtain curtain does does in in the the wind. wind. Lord Lord John John expressed expressed this this observation observation to to the the Honorable Honorable Caroline Caroline and andwas wasaccused accusedin inconsequence consequenceof ofbeing beingpoetic. poetic.

“Poetic?”

“Poetic?” said said an an amused amused voice voice behind behind him. him. “Is “Is there there no no end end to to our our gallant gallantmajor’s major’stalents?” talents?”

Lord LordJohn Johnturned, turned,with withan aninward inwardgrimace grimaceand andan anoutward outwardsmile, smile,and and bowed bowedto toEdwin EdwinNicholls.

Nicholls.

“I “Ishould shouldnot notthink thinkof oftrespassing trespassingupon uponyour yourprovince, province,Mr. Mr.Nicholls,” Nicholls,” he hesaid saidpolitely. politely.Nicholls Nichollswrote wroteexecrable execrableverse, verse,mostly mostlyupon uponthe thesubject subjectof of love, love,and andwas wasmuch muchadmired admiredby byyoung youngwomen womenof ofaacertain certainturn turnof ofmind. mind.

The TheHonorable HonorableCaroline Carolinewasn’t wasn’tone oneof ofthem; them;she’d she’dwritten writtenaavery veryclever clever

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parody parodyof ofhis hisstyle, style,though thoughGrey Greythought thoughtNicholls Nichollshad hadnot notheard heardabout aboutit. it.

He Hehoped hopednot. not.

“Oh, “Oh,don’t don’tyou?” you?”Nicholls Nichollsraised raisedone onehoneyhoney-colored coloredbrow browatathim himand and glanced glancedbriefly brieflybut butmeaningfully meaningfullyatatMiss MissWoodford.

Woodford.His Histone tonewas wasjocular, jocular, but buthis hislook lookwas wasnot, not,and andGrey Greywondered wonderedjust justhow howmuch muchMr. Mr.Nicholls Nichollshad had had hadto todrink. drink.Nicholls Nichollswas wasflushed flushedof ofcheek cheekand andglittering glitteringof ofeye, eye,but butthat that might mightbe beonly onlythe theheat heatof ofthe theroom, room,which whichwas wasconsiderable, considerable,and andthe theexexcitement citementof ofthe theparty. party.

“Do “Doyou youthink thinkof ofcomposing composingan anode odeto toour ourfriend?” friend?”Grey Greyasked, asked,ignorignoring ingNicholls’s Nicholls’sallusion allusionand andgesturing gesturingtoward towardthe thelarge largetank tankthat thatcontained contained the theeel. eel.

Nicholls Nichollslaughed, laughed,too tooloudly— loudly—yes, yes,quite quiteaabit bitthe theworse worsefor fordrink— drink—and and waved wavedaadismissive dismissivehand. hand.

“No, “No, no, no, Major.

Major. How How could could II think think of of expending expending my my energies energies upon upon such such aa gross gross and and insignificant insignificant creature, creature, when when there there are are angels angels of of delight delight such suchasasthis thisto toinspire inspireme?” me?”He Heleered— leered—Grey Greydid didnot notwish wishto toimpugn impugnthe the fellow, fellow, but but he he undeniably undeniably leered— leered—atat Miss Miss Woodford, Woodford, who who smiled, smiled, with with compressed compressedlips, lips,and andtapped tappedhim himrebukingly rebukinglywith withher herfan. fan.

Where Wherewas wasCaroline’s Caroline’suncle? uncle?Grey Greywondered. wondered.Simon SimonWoodford Woodfordshared shared his his niece’s niece’s interest interest in in natural natural history history and and would would certainly certainly have have escorted escorted her. her....... Oh, Oh, there. there. Simon Simon Woodford Woodford was was deep deep in in discussion discussion with with Dr. Dr. him??

Hunter, Hunter,the thefamous famoussurgeon— surgeon—what whathad hadpossessed possessedLucinda Lucindato toinvite invitehim Then Then he he caught caught sight sight of of Lucinda, Lucinda, viewing viewing Dr. Dr. Hunter Hunter over over her her fan fan with with hadn’tinvited invitedhim. him. narrowed narrowedeyes, eyes,and andrealized realizedthat thatshe shehadn’t John John Hunter Hunter was was aa famous famous surgeon— surgeon—and and an an infamous infamous anatomist. anatomist.

Rumor Rumorhad hadititthat thathe hewould wouldstop stopatatnothing nothingto tobag bagaaparticularly particularlydesirable desirable body— body—whether whetherhuman humanor ornot. not.He Hedid didmove movein insociety, society,but butnot notin inthe theJofJoffreys’ freys’circles. circles.

Lucinda LucindaJoffrey Joffreyhad hadmost mostexpressive expressiveeyes. eyes.Her Herone oneclaim claimto tobeauty, beauty,they they were werealmondalmond-shaped, shaped,clear cleargray grayin incolor, color,and andcapable capableof ofsending sendingremarkremarkably ablyminatory minatorymessages messagesacross acrossaacrowded crowdedroom. room.

Come Comehere! here!they theysaid. said.Grey Greysmiled smiledand andlifted liftedhis hisglass glassin insalute saluteto toher herbut but made madeno nomove moveto toobey. obey.The Theeyes eyesnarrowed narrowedfurther, further,gleaming gleamingdangerously, dangerously, then thencut cutabruptly abruptlytoward towardthe thesurgeon, surgeon,who whowas wasedging edgingtoward towardthe thetank, tank, his hisface facealight alightwith withcuriosity curiosityand andacquisitiveness. acquisitiveness.

The Theeyes eyeswhipped whippedback backto toGrey.

Grey.

Get Getrid ridofofhim! him!they theysaid. said.

Grey Grey glanced glanced atat Miss Miss Woodford.

Woodford. Mr. Mr. Nicholls Nicholls had had seized seized her her hand hand in in his his and and appeared appeared to to be be declaiming declaiming something; something; she she looked looked asas though though she she wanted wantedthe thehand handback. back.Grey Greylooked lookedback backatatLucinda Lucindaand andshrugged, shrugged,with withaa small small gesture gesture toward toward Mr. Mr. Nicholls’s Nicholls’s ochreochre-velvet velvet back, back, expressing expressing regret regret that thatsocial socialresponsibility responsibilityprevented preventedhis hiscarrying carryingout outher herorder. order.

“Not “Notonly onlythe theface faceof ofan anangel,” angel,”Nicholls Nichollswas wassaying, saying,squeezing squeezingCaroCaro-

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

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line’s line’sfingers fingersso sohard hardthat thatshe shesqueaked, squeaked,“but “butthe theskin, skin,asaswell.” well.”He Hestroked stroked her herhand, hand,the theleer leerintensifying. intensifying.“What “Whatdo doangels angelssmell smelllike likein inthe themorning, morning, IIwonder?” wonder?”

Grey Greymeasured measuredhim himup upthoughtfully. thoughtfully.One Onemore moreremark remarkof ofthat thatsort, sort,and and he he might might be be obliged obliged to to invite invite Mr. Mr. Nicholls Nicholls to to step step outside. outside. Nicholls Nicholls was was tall tall and and heavily heavily built, built, outweighed outweighed Grey Grey by by aa couple couple of of stone, stone, and and had had aa Best try try toto break break his his nose nose first, first, Grey Grey thought, thought, reputation reputation for for bellicosity. bellicosity. Best then run run him him headfirst headfirst into into aa hedge. hedge. He He won’t won’t come come shifting shifting his his weight, weight, then back backin inififIImake makeaamess messofofhim. him.

“What “What are are you you looking looking at?” at?” Nicholls Nicholls inquired inquired unpleasantly, unpleasantly, catching catching Grey’s Grey’sgaze gazeupon uponhim. him.

Grey Greywas wassaved savedfrom fromreply replyby byaaloud loudclapping clappingof ofhands— hands—the theeel’s eel’sproproprietor prietor calling calling the the party party to to order. order. Miss Miss Woodford Woodford took took advantage advantage of of the the distraction distraction to to snatch snatch her her hand hand away, away, cheeks cheeks flaming flaming with with mortification. mortification.

Grey Greymoved movedatatonce onceto toher herside sideand andput putaahand handbeneath beneathher herelbow, elbow,fixing fixing Nicholls Nichollswith withan anicy icystare. stare.

“Come “Come with with me, me, Miss Miss Woodford,” Woodford,” he he said. said. “Let “Let us us find find aa good good place place from fromwhich whichto towatch watchthe theproceedings.” proceedings.”

“Watch?”

“Watch?” said said aa voice voice beside beside him. him. “Why, “Why, surely surely you you don’t don’t mean mean to to watch, watch,do doyou, you,sir? sir?Are Areyou younot notcurious curiousto totry trythe thephenomenon phenomenonyourself?” yourself?”

ItItwas wasHunter Hunterhimself, himself,bushy bushyhair hairtied tiedcarelessly carelesslyback, back,though thoughdecently decently dressed dressed in in aa damsondamson-red red suit, suit, and and grinning grinning up up atat Grey; Grey; the the surgeon surgeon was was broadbroad-shouldered shoulderedand andmuscular muscularbut butquite quiteshort— short—barely barelyfive fivefoot foottwo, two,to to Grey’s Grey’s fivefive-six. six. Evidently Evidently he he had had noted noted Grey’s Grey’s wordless wordless exchange exchange with with Lucinda.

Lucinda.

“Oh, “Oh,IIthink— think—””Grey Greybegan, began,but butHunter Hunterhad hadhis hisarm armand andwas wastugging tugging him himtoward towardthe thecrowd crowdgathering gatheringround roundthe thetank. tank.Caroline, Caroline,with withan analarmed alarmed glance glanceatatthe theglowering gloweringNicholls, Nicholls,hastily hastilyfollowed followedhim. him.

“I “I shall shall be be most most interested interested to to hear hear your your account account of of the the sensation,” sensation,” Hunter Hunterwas wassaying sayingchattily. chattily.“Some “Somepeople peoplereport reportaaremarkable remarkableeuphoria, euphoria,aa momentary momentarydisorientation disorientation......shortness shortnessof ofbreath breathor ordizziness— dizziness—sometimes sometimes pain painin inthe thechest. chest.You Youhave havenot notaaweak weakheart, heart,IIhope, hope,Major?

Major?Or Oryou, you,Miss Miss Woodford?”

Woodford?”

“Me?” “Me?”Caroline Carolinelooked lookedsurprised. surprised.

Hunter Hunterbowed bowedto toher. her.

“I “Ishould shouldbe beparticularly particularlyinterested interestedto tosee seeyour yourown ownresponse, response,ma’am,” ma’am,” he hesaid saidrespectfully. respectfully.“So “Sofew fewwomen womenhave havethe thecourage courageto toundertake undertakesuch such an anadventure.” adventure.”

“She “Shedoesn’t doesn’twant wantto,” to,”Grey Greysaid saidhurriedly. hurriedly. do,””she shesaid, said,and andgave gavehim himaalittle littlefrown, frown,before beforeglancglanc“Well, “Well,perhaps perhapsIIdo, ing ingatatthe thetank tankand andthe thelong longgray grayform forminside insideit. it.She Shegave gaveaabrief briefshiver— shiver— but butGrey Greyrecognized recognizedit, it,from fromlong longacquaintance acquaintancewith withthe thelady, lady,asasaashiver shiver of ofanticipation anticipationrather ratherthan thanrevulsion. revulsion.

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Dr. Dr. Hunter Hunter recognized recognized it, it, too. too. He He grinned grinned more more broadly broadly and and bowed bowed again, again,extending extendinghis hisarm armto toMiss MissWoodford.

Woodford.

“Allow “Allowme meto tosecure secureyou youaaplace, place,ma’am.” ma’am.”

Grey Grey and and Nicholls Nicholls both both moved moved purposefully purposefully to to prevent prevent him, him, collided, collided, and and were were left left scowling scowling atat each each other other asas Dr. Dr. Hunter Hunter escorted escorted Caroline Caroline to to the thetank tankand andintroduced introducedher herto tothe theeel’s eel’sowner, owner,aasmall smalldarkdark-looking lookingcreacreature turenamed namedHorace HoraceSuddfield.

Suddfield.

Grey Greynudged nudgedNicholls Nichollsaside asideand andplunged plungedinto intothe thecrowd, crowd,elbowing elbowinghis his way wayruthlessly ruthlesslyto tothe thefront. front.Hunter Hunterspotted spottedhim himand andbeamed. beamed.

“Have “Haveyou youany anymetal metalremaining remainingin inyour yourchest, chest,Major?”

Major?”

“Have “HaveI— I—what?” what?”

“Metal,” “Metal,” Hunter Hunter repeated. repeated. “Arthur “Arthur Longstreet Longstreet described described to to me me the the operation operation in in which which he he removed removed thirtythirty-seven seven pieces pieces of of metal metal from from your your chest— chest—most most impressive. impressive. IfIf any any bits bits remain, remain, though, though, II must must advise advise you you against againsttrying tryingthe theeel. eel.Metal Metalconducts conductselectricity, electricity,you yousee, see,and andthe thechance chance of ofburns— burns—”” Nicholls Nicholls had had made made his his way way through through the the throng, throng, asas well, well, and and gave gave an an unpleasant unpleasantlaugh, laugh,hearing hearingthis. this.

“A “Agood goodexcuse, excuse,Major,” Major,”he hesaid, said,aanoticeable noticeablejeer jeerin inhis hisvoice. voice.He Hewas was very verydrunk drunkindeed, indeed,Grey Greythought. thought.Still— Still— “No, “No,IIhaven’t,” haven’t,”he hesaid saidabruptly. abruptly.

“Excellent,” “Excellent,” Suddfield Suddfield said said politely. politely. “A “A soldier, soldier, II understand understand you you are, are, sir? sir?AAbold boldgentleman, gentleman,IIperceive— perceive—who whobetter betterto totake takefirst firstplace?” place?”

And Andbefore beforeGrey Greycould couldprotest, protest,he hefound foundhimself himselfnext nextto tothe thetank, tank,CarCaroline olineWoodford’s Woodford’shand handclutching clutchinghis, his,her herother otherheld heldby byNicholls, Nicholls,who whowas was glaring glaringmalevolently. malevolently.

“Are “Are we we all all arranged, arranged, ladies ladies and and gentlemen?” gentlemen?” Suddfield Suddfield cried. cried. “How “How many, many,Dobbs?”

Dobbs?”

“Forty“Forty-five!” five!”came cameaacall callfrom fromhis hisassistant assistantin inthe thenext nextroom, room,through through which whichthe theline lineof ofparticipants participantssnaked, snaked,joined joinedhandhand-toto-hand handand andtwitching twitching with withexcitement, excitement,the therest restof ofthe theparty partystanding standingwell wellback, back,agog. agog.

“All “Alltouching, touching,all alltouching?” touching?”Suddfield Suddfieldcried. cried.“Take “Takeaafirm firmgrip gripof ofyour your friends, friends,please, please,aavery veryfirm firmgrip!” grip!”He Heturned turnedto toGrey, Grey,his hissmall smallface facealight. alight.

“Go “Go ahead, ahead, sir! sir! Grip Grip itit tightly, tightly, please— please—just just there, there, just just there there before before the the tail!” tail!”

Disregarding Disregardinghis hisbetter betterjudgment judgmentand andthe theconsequences consequencesto tohis hislace lacecuff, cuff, Grey Greyset sethis hisjaw jawand andplunged plungedhis hishand handinto intothe thewater. water.

In Inthe thesplit splitsecond secondwhen whenhe hegrasped graspedthe theslimy slimything, thing,he heexpected expectedsomesomething thing like like the the snap snap one one got got from from touching touching aa Leyden Leyden jar jar and and making making itit spark. spark. Then Then he he was was flung flung violently violently backward, backward, every every muscle muscle in in his his body body contorted, contorted,and andhe hefound foundhimself himselfon onthe thefloor, floor,thrashing thrashinglike likeaalanded landedfish, fish, gasping gaspingin inaavain vainattempt attemptto torecall recallhow howto tobreathe. breathe.

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

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The The surgeon, surgeon, Mr. Mr. Hunter, Hunter, squatted squatted next next to to him, him, observing observing him him with with brightbright-eyed eyedinterest. interest.

“How “Howdo doyou youfeel?” feel?”he heinquired. inquired.“Dizzy “Dizzyatatall?” all?”

Grey Greyshook shookhis hishead, head,mouth mouthopening openingand andclosing closinglike likeaagoldfish’s, goldfish’s,and and with with some some effort effort thumped thumped his his chest. chest. Thus Thus invited, invited, Mr. Mr. Hunter Hunter leaned leaned down down atat once, once, unbuttoned unbuttoned Grey’s Grey’s waistcoat, waistcoat, and and pressed pressed an an ear ear to to his his shirtfront. shirtfront. Whatever Whatever he he heard— heard—or or didn’t— didn’t—seemed seemed to to alarm alarm him, him, for for he he jerked jerkedup, up,clenched clenchedboth bothfists fiststogether, together,and andbrought broughtthem themdown downon onGrey’s Grey’s chest chestwith withaathud thudthat thatreverberated reverberatedto tohis hisbackbone. backbone.

This Thisblow blowhad hadthe thesalutary salutaryeffect effectof offorcing forcingbreath breathout outof ofhis hislungs; lungs;they they filled filled again again by by reflex, reflex, and and suddenly suddenly he he remembered remembered how how to to breathe. breathe. His His heart heartalso alsoseemed seemedto tohave havebeen beenrecalled recalledto toaasense senseof ofits itsduty, duty,and andbegan began beating beatingagain. again.He Hesat satup, up,fending fendingoff offanother anotherblow blowfrom fromMr. Mr.Hunter, Hunter,and and sat satblinking blinkingatatthe thecarnage carnageround roundhim. him.

The The floor floor was was filled filled with with bodies. bodies. Some Some still still writhing, writhing, some some lying lying still, still, limbs limbsoutflung outflungin inabandonment; abandonment;some somealready alreadyrecovered recoveredand andbeing beinghelped helped to totheir theirfeet feetby byfriends. friends.Excited Excitedexclamations exclamationsfilled filledthe theair, air,and andSuddfield Suddfield stood stoodby byhis hiseel, eel,beaming beamingwith withpride prideand andaccepting acceptingcongratulations. congratulations.The The eel eelitself itselfseemed seemedannoyed; annoyed;ititwas wasswimming swimminground roundin incircles, circles,angrily angrilyswitchswitching ingits itsheavy heavybody. body.

Edwin EdwinNicholls Nichollswas wason onhands handsand andknees, knees,Grey Greysaw, saw,rising risingslowly slowlyto tohis his feet. feet.He Hereached reacheddown downto tograsp graspCaroline CarolineWoodford’s Woodford’sarms armsand andhelp helpher herto to rise. rise.This Thisshe shedid, did,but butso soawkwardly awkwardlythat thatshe shelost losther herbalance balanceand andfell fellfacefacefirst firstinto intoMr. Mr.Nicholls.

Nicholls.He Hein inturn turnlost losthis hisown ownbalance balanceand andsat satdown downhard, hard, the the Honorable Honorable Caroline Caroline atop atop him. him. Whether Whether from from shock, shock, excitement, excitement, drink, drink,or orsimple simpleboorishness, boorishness,he heseized seizedthe themoment— moment—and andCaroline— Caroline—and and planted plantedaahearty heartykiss kissupon uponher herastonished astonishedlips. lips.

Matters Matters thereafter thereafter were were somewhat somewhat confused. confused. He He had had aa vague vague impresimpreshadbroken brokenNicholls’s Nicholls’snose— nose—and andthere therewas wasaaset setof ofburst burstand and sion sionthat thathe hehad swollen swollen knuckles knuckles on on his his right right hand hand to to give give weight weight to to the the supposition. supposition.

There Therewas wasaalot lotof ofnoise, noise,though, though,and andhe hehad hadthe thedisconcerting disconcertingfeeling feelingof of not not being being altogether altogether firmly firmly confined confined within within his his own own body. body. Parts Parts of of him him seemed seemedto tobe beconstantly constantlydrifting driftingoff, off,escaping escapingthe theoutlines outlinesof ofhis hisflesh. flesh. didremain remaininside insidewas wasdistinctly distinctlyjangled. jangled.His Hishearing— hearing—still stillsomesomeWhat Whatdid what what impaired impaired from from the the cannon cannon explosion explosion aa few few months months before— before—had had given givenup upentirely entirelyunder underthe thestrain strainof ofelectric electricshock. shock.That Thatis, is,he hecould couldhear, hear, but butwhat whathe heheard heardmade madeno nosense. sense.Random Randomwords wordsreached reachedhim himthrough throughaa fog fogof ofbuzzing buzzingand andringing, ringing,but buthe hecould couldnot notconnect connectthem themsensibly sensiblyto tothe the moving movingmouths mouthsaround aroundhim. him.He Hewasn’t wasn’tatatall allsure surethat thathis hisown ownvoice voicewas was saying sayingwhat whathe hemeant meantititto, to,for forthat thatmatter. matter.

He Hewas wassurrounded surroundedby byvoices, voices,faces— faces—aasea seaof offeverish feverishsound soundand andmovemovement. ment.People Peopletouched touchedhim, him,pulled pulledhim, him,pushed pushedhim. him.He Heflung flungout outan anarm, arm,

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trying trying asas much much to to discover discover where where itit was was asas to to strike strike anyone, anyone, but but felt felt the the impact impact of of flesh. flesh. More More noise. noise. Here Here and and there there aa face face he he recognized: recognized: LuLucinda, cinda, shocked shocked and and furious; furious; Caroline, Caroline, distraught, distraught, her her red red hair hair disheveled disheveled and andcoming comingdown, down,all allits itspowder powderlost. lost.

The The net net result result of of everything everything was was that that he he was was not not positive positive whether whether he he had had called called Nicholls Nicholls out out or or the the reverse. reverse. Surely Surely Nicholls Nicholls must must have have chalchallenged lengedhim? him?He Hehad hadaavivid vividrecollection recollectionof ofNicholls, Nicholls,goregore-soaked soakedhandkerhandkerchief chiefheld heldto tohis hisnose noseand andaahomicidal homicidallight lightin inhis hisnarrowed narrowedeyes. eyes.But Butthen then he’d he’d found found himself himself outside, outside, in in his his shirtsleeves, shirtsleeves, standing standing in in the the little little park park that that fronted fronted the the Joffreys’ Joffreys’ house, house, with with aa pistol pistol in in his his hand. hand. He He wouldn’t wouldn’t have havechosen chosento tofight fightwith withaastrange strangepistol, pistol,would wouldhe? he?

Maybe MaybeNicholls Nichollshad hadinsulted insultedhim, him,and andhe hehad hadcalled calledNicholls Nichollsout outwithwithout outquite quiterealizing realizingit? it?

ItIthad hadrained rainedearlier, earlier,was waschilly chillynow; now;wind windwas waswhipping whippinghis hisshirt shirtround round his hisbody. body.His Hissense senseof ofsmell smellwas wasremarkably remarkablyacute; acute;ititseemed seemedto tobe bethe theonly only thing thingworking workingproperly. properly.He Hesmelled smelledsmoke smokefrom fromthe thechimneys, chimneys,the thedamp damp green green of of the the plants, plants, and and his his own own sweat, sweat, oddly oddly metallic. metallic. And And something something faintly faintlyfoul— foul—something somethingredolent redolentof ofmud mudand andslime. slime.By Byreflex, reflex,he herubbed rubbed the thehand handthat thathad hadtouched touchedthe theeel eelagainst againsthis hisbreeches. breeches.

Someone Someonewas wassaying sayingsomething somethingto tohim. him.With Withdifficulty, difficulty,he hefixed fixedhis hisatattention tentionon onMr. Mr.Hunter, Hunter,standing standingby byhis hisside, side,still stillwith withthat thatlook lookof ofpenepeneWell,ofofcourse. course.They’d They’dneed needaasurgeon, surgeon, he he thought thought dimly. dimly. trating trating interest interest. .Well, Have Havetotohave haveaasurgeon surgeonat ataaduel. duel.

“Yes,” “Yes,”he hesaid, said,seeing seeingHunter’s Hunter’seyebrows eyebrowsraised raisedin ininquiry inquiryof ofsome somesort. sort.

Then, Then,seized seizedby byaabelated belatedfear fearthat thathe hehad hadjust justpromised promisedhis hisbody bodyto tothe the surgeon surgeonwere werehe hekilled, killed,seized seizedHunter’s Hunter’scoat coatwith withhis hisfree freehand. hand.

“You “You......don’t don’t......touch touch me,” me,” he he said. said. “No “No......knives. knives. Ghoul,” Ghoul,” he he added addedfor forgood goodmeasure, measure,finally finallylocating locatingthe theword. word.Hunter Hunternodded, nodded,seemseeming ingunoffended. unoffended.

The Thesky skywas wasovercast, overcast,the theonly onlylight lightshed shedby bythe thedistant distanttorches torchesatatthe the house’s house’sentrance. entrance.Nicholls Nichollswas wasaawhitish whitishblur, blur,coming comingcloser. closer.

Someone Someonegrabbed grabbedGrey, Grey,turned turnedhim himforcibly forciblyabout, about,and andhe hefound foundhimhimself selfbackback-toto-back backwith withNicholls, Nicholls,the thebigger biggerman’s man’sheat heatstartling, startling,so sonear. near.

Shit, Shit,he hethought thoughtsuddenly suddenly. .IsIshe heany anykind kindofofaashot? shot?

Someone Someone spoke spoke and and he he began began to to walk— walk—he he thought thought he he was was walking— walking— until untilan anoutthrust outthrustarm armstopped stoppedhim, him,and andhe heturned turnedin inanswer answerto tosomeone someone pointing pointingurgently urgentlybehind behindhim. him.

Oh, Oh,hell, hell,he hethought thoughtwearily, wearily,seeing seeingNicholls’s Nicholls’sarm armcome comedown. down.IIdon’t don’t care. care.

He Heblinked blinkedatatthe themuzzle muzzleflash— flash—the thereport reportwas waslost lostin inthe theshocked shockedgasp gasp from fromthe thecrowd— crowd—and andstood stoodfor foraamoment, moment,wondering wonderingwhether whetherhe’d he’dbeen been hit. hit.Nothing Nothingseemed seemedamiss, amiss,though, though,and andsomeone someonenearby nearbywas wasurging urginghim him to tofire. fire.

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

15 15

Frigging Friggingpoet, poet,he hethought. thought.I’ll I’lldelope delopeand andhave havedone. done.IIwant wanttotogo gohome. home.

He Heraised raisedhis hisarm, arm,aiming aimingstraight straightup upinto intothe theair, air,but buthis hisarm armlost lostcontact contact with withhis hisbrain brainfor foran aninstant, instant,and andhis hiswrist wristsagged. sagged.He Hejerked, jerked,correcting correctingit, it, and andhis hishand handtensed tensedon onthe thetrigger. trigger.He Hehad hadbarely barelytime timeto tojerk jerkthe thebarrel barrel aside, aside,firing firingwildly. wildly.

To Tohis hissurprise, surprise,Nicholls Nichollsstaggered staggeredaabit, bit,then thensank sankdown downonto ontothe thegrass. grass.

He Hesat satpropped proppedon onone onehand, hand,the theother otherclutched clutcheddramatically dramaticallyto tohis hisshoulshoulder, der,head headthrown thrownback. back.

ItIthad hadbegun begunto torain, rain,quite quitehard. hard.Grey Greyblinked blinkedwater wateroff offhis hislashes lashesand and shook shookhis hishead. head.The Theair airtasted tastedsharp, sharp,like likecut cutmetal, metal,and andfor foran aninstant instanthe he had hadthe theimpression impressionthat thatititsmelled smelled......purple. purple.

“That “Thatcan’t can’tbe beright,” right,”he hesaid saidaloud, aloud,and andfound foundthat thathis hisability abilityto tospeak speak seemed seemed to to have have come come back. back. He He turned turned to to speak speak to to Hunter, Hunter, but but the the sursurgeon geonhad, had,of ofcourse, course,darted dartedacross acrossto toNicholls, Nicholls,was waspeering peeringdown downthe theneck neck of ofthe thepoet’s poet’sshirt. shirt.There Therewas wasblood bloodon onit, it,Grey Greysaw, saw,but butNicholls Nichollswas wasrerefusing fusing to to lie lie down, down, gesturing gesturing vigorously vigorously with with his his free free hand. hand. Blood Blood was was running runningdown downhis hisface facefrom fromhis hisnose; nose;perhaps perhapsthat thatwas wasit. it.

“Come “Comeaway, away,sir,” sir,”said saidaaquiet quietvoice voiceatathis hisside. side.“It’ll “It’llbe bebad badfor forLady Lady Joffrey Joffreyelse.” else.”

“What?”

“What?”He Helooked, looked,surprised, surprised,to tofind findRichard RichardTarleton, Tarleton,who whohad hadbeen been his hisensign ensignin inGermany, Germany,now nowin inthe theuniform uniformof ofaaLancers Lancerslieutenant. lieutenant.“Oh. “Oh. Yes, Yes, itit will.” will.” Dueling Dueling was was illegal illegal in in London; London; for for the the police police to to arrest arrest LuLucinda’s cinda’sguests guestsin inthe thepark parkbefore beforeher herhouse housewould wouldbe beaascandal— scandal—not notsomesomething thingthat thatwould wouldplease pleaseher herhusband, husband,Sir SirRichard, Richard,atatall. all.

The The crowd crowd had had already already melted melted away, away, asas though though the the rain rain had had rendered rendered them them soluble. soluble. The The torches torches by by the the door door had had been been extinguished. extinguished. Nicholls Nicholls was wasbeing beinghelped helpedoff offby byHunter Hunterand andsomeone someoneelse, else,lurching lurchingaway awaythrough through the theincreasing increasingrain. rain.Grey Greyshivered. shivered.God Godknew knewwhere wherehis hiscoat coator orcloak cloakwas. was.

“Let’s “Let’sgo, go,then,” then,”he hesaid. said.

Grey Grey opened opened his his eyes. eyes.

“Did “Didyou yousay saysomething, something,Tom?” Tom?” Tom TomByrd, Byrd,his hisvalet, valet,had hadproduced producedaacough coughlike likeaachimney chimneysweep’s, sweep’s,atataa distance distance of of approximately approximately one one foot foot from from Grey’s Grey’s ear. ear. Seeing Seeing that that he he had had obtained obtainedhis hisemployer’s employer’sattention, attention,he hepresented presentedthe thechamber chamberpot potatatport port arms. arms.

“His “HisGrace Graceisisdownstairs, downstairs,me melord. lord.With Withher herladyship.” ladyship.”

Grey Grey blinked blinked atat the the window window behind behind Tom, Tom, where where the the open open drapes drapes showed showedaadim dimsquare squareof ofrainy rainylight. light.

“Her “Her ladyship? ladyship? What, What, the the duchess?” duchess?” What What could could have have happened? happened? ItIt couldn’t couldn’tbe bepast pastnine nineo’clock. o’clock.His Hissistersister-inin-law lawnever neverpaid paidcalls callsbefore beforeafaf-

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Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

ternoon, ternoon, and and he he had had never never known known her her to to go go anywhere anywhere with with his his brother brother during duringthe theday. day.

“No, “No,me melord. lord.The Thelittle little’un.” ’un.”

“The “Thelittle— little—oh. oh.My Mygoddaughter?” goddaughter?”He Hesat satup, up,feeling feelingwell wellbut butstrange, strange, and andtook tookthe theutensil utensilfrom fromTom. Tom. “Yes, “Yes, me me lord. lord. His His Grace Grace said said asas he he wants wants to to speak speak to to you you about about ‘the ‘the events events of of last last night.’ night.’”” Tom Tom had had crossed crossed to to the the window window and and was was looking looking censoriously censoriously atat the the remnants remnants of of Grey’s Grey’s shirt shirt and and breeches, breeches, these these stained stained with with grass, grass, mud, mud, blood, blood, and and powder powder stains, stains, and and flung flung carelessly carelessly over over the the back back of of the the chair. chair. He He turned turned aa reproachful reproachful eye eye on on Grey, Grey, who who closed closed his his own, own,trying tryingto torecall recallexactly exactlywhat whatthe theevents eventsof oflast lastnight nighthad hadbeen. been.

He He felt felt somewhat somewhat odd. odd. Not Not drunk, drunk, he he hadn’t hadn’t been been drunk; drunk; he he had had no no headache, headache,no nouneasiness uneasinessof ofdigestion. digestion.......

“Last “Last night,” night,” he he repeated, repeated, uncertain. uncertain. Last Last night night had had been been confused, confused, but buthe hedid didremember rememberit. it.The Theeel eelparty. party.Lucinda LucindaJoffrey, Joffrey,Caroline Caroline......Why Why on onearth earthought oughtHal Halto tobe beconcerned concernedwith with......what, what,the theduel? duel?Why Whyshould should his hisbrother brothercare careabout aboutsuch suchaasilly sillyaffair— affair—and andeven evenififhe hedid, did,why whyappear appearatat Grey’s Grey’sdoor dooratatthe thecrack crackof ofdawn dawnwith withhis hissixsix-monthmonth-old olddaughter? daughter?

ItItwas wasmore morethe thetime timeof ofday daythan thanthe thechild’s child’spresence presencethat thatwas wasunusual; unusual; his hisbrother brotheroften oftendid didtake takehis hisdaughter daughterout, out,with withthe thefeeble feebleexcuse excusethat thatthe the child childneeded neededair. air.His Hiswife wifeaccused accusedhim himof ofwanting wantingto toshow showthe thebaby babyoff— off— she shewas wasbeautiful— beautiful—but butGrey Greythought thoughtthe thecause causesomewhat somewhatmore morestraightstraightforward. forward. His His ferocious, ferocious, autocratic, autocratic, dictatorial dictatorial brother— brother—Colonel Colonel of of his his own ownregiment, regiment,terror terrorof ofboth bothhis hisown owntroops troopsand andhis hisenemies— enemies—had hadfallen fallen in in love love with with his his daughter. daughter. The The regiment regiment would would leave leave for for its its new new posting posting within within aa month’s month’s time. time. Hal Hal simply simply couldn’t couldn’t bear bear to to have have her her out out of of his his sight. sight.

Thus Thushe hefound foundthe theDuke Dukeof ofPardloe Pardloeseated seatedin inthe themorning morningroom, room,Lady Lady Dorothea DorotheaJacqueline JacquelineBenedicta BenedictaGrey Greycradled cradledin inhis hisarm armand andgnawing gnawingon onaa rusk ruskher herfather fatherheld heldfor forher. her.Her Herwet wetsilk silkbonnet, bonnet,her hertiny tinyrabbitrabbit-fur furbunbunting, ting,and andtwo twoletters, letters,one oneopen, open,one onestill stillsealed, sealed,lay layupon uponthe thetable tableatatthe the duke’s duke’selbow. elbow.

Hal Halglanced glancedup upatathim. him.

“I’ve “I’ve ordered ordered your your breakfast. breakfast. Say Say hallo hallo to to Uncle Uncle John, John, Dottie.”

Dottie.” He He turned turnedthe thebaby babygently gentlyround. round.She Shedidn’t didn’tremove removeher herattention attentionfrom fromthe the rusk ruskbut butmade madeaasmall smallchirping chirpingnoise. noise.

“Hallo, “Hallo,sweetheart.” sweetheart.”John Johnleaned leanedover overand andkissed kissedthe thetop topof ofher herhead, head, covered coveredwith withaasoft softblond blonddown downand andslightly slightlydamp. damp.“Having “Havingaanice niceouting outing with withDaddy Daddyin inthe thepouring pouringrain?” rain?”

“We “We brought brought you you something.” something.” Hal Hal picked picked up up the the opened opened letter letter and, and, raising raisingan aneyebrow eyebrowatathis hisbrother, brother,handed handedititto tohim. him.

Grey Greyraised raisedan aneyebrow eyebrowback backand andbegan beganto toread. read.

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

17 17

“What?!”

“What?!”He Helooked lookedup upfrom fromthe thesheet, sheet,mouth mouthopen. open.

“Yes, “Yes,that’s that’swhat whatIIsaid,” said,”Hal Halagreed agreedcordially, cordially,“when “whenititwas wasdelivered delivered to tomy mydoor, door,just justbefore beforedawn.” dawn.”He Hereached reachedfor forthe thesealed sealedletter, letter,carefully carefully balancing balancingthe thebaby. baby.“Here, “Here,this thisone’s one’syours. yours.ItItcame camejust justafter afterdawn.” dawn.”

Grey Grey dropped dropped the the first first letter letter asas though though itit were were on on fire fire and and seized seized the the second, second,ripping rippingititopen. open.

Oh, Oh, John, John, itit read read without without preamble, preamble, forgive forgive me, me, II couldn’t couldn’t stop stop him, him, II really really couldn’t, couldn’t, I’m I’m SO SO sorry. sorry. II told told him, him, but but he he wouldn’t wouldn’t listen. listen. I’d I’d run run wasn’t away, away,but butIIdon’t don’tknow knowwhere wheretotogo. go.Please, Please,please pleasedo dosomething! something!ItItwasn’t signed signed but but didn’t didn’t need need to to be. be. He’d He’d recognized recognized the the Honorable Honorable Caroline Caroline Woodford’s Woodford’swriting, writing,scribbled scribbledand andfrantic franticasasititwas. was.The Thepaper paperwas wasblotched blotched and andpuckered— puckered—with withtearstains? tearstains?

He Heshook shookhis hishead headviolently, violently,asasthough thoughto toclear clearit, it,then thenpicked pickedup upthe the first firstletter letteragain. again.ItItwas wasjust justasashe’d he’dread readititthe thefirst firsttime— time—aaformal formaldemand demand from fromAlfred, Alfred,Lord LordEnderby, Enderby,to toHis HisGrace Gracethe theDuke Dukeof ofPardloe, Pardloe,for forsatisfacsatisfaction tionregarding regardingthe theinjury injuryto tothe thehonor honorof ofhis hissister, sister,the theHonorable HonorableCaroCaroline lineWoodford, Woodford,by bythe theagency agencyof ofHis HisGrace’s Grace’sbrother, brother,Lord LordJohn JohnGrey.

Grey.

Grey Grey glanced glanced from from one one document document to to the the other, other, several several times, times, then then looked lookedatathis hisbrother. brother.

“What “Whatthe thedevil?” devil?”

“I “I gather gather you you had had an an eventful eventful evening,” evening,” Hal Hal said, said, grunting grunting slightly slightly asas he hebent bentto toretrieve retrievethe therusk ruskDottie Dottiehad haddropped droppedon onthe thecarpet. carpet.“No, “No,dardarling, ling,you youdon’t don’twant wantthat thatanymore.” anymore.”

Dottie Dottiedisagreed disagreedviolently violentlywith withthis thisassertion assertionand andwas wasdistracted distractedonly onlyby by Uncle UncleJohn Johnpicking pickingher herup upand andblowing blowingin inher herear. ear.

“Eventful,” “Eventful,”he herepeated. repeated.“Yes, “Yes,ititwas, was,rather. rather.But ButIIdidn’t didn’tdo doanything anything to to Caroline Caroline Woodford Woodford save save hold hold her her hand hand whilst whilst being being shocked shocked by by an an electric electriceel, eel,IIswear swearit. it.GleeglgleeglgleeglGleeglgleeglgleegl-pppppssssshhhhh,” pppppssssshhhhh,”he headded addedto to Dottie, Dottie,who whoshrieked shriekedand andgiggled giggledin inresponse. response.He Heglanced glancedup upto tofind findHal Hal staring staringatathim. him.

“Lucinda “Lucinda Joffrey’s Joffrey’s party,” party,” he he amplified. amplified. “Surely “Surely you you and and Minnie Minnie were were invited?” invited?”

Hal Halgrunted. grunted.“Oh. “Oh.Yes, Yes,we wewere, were,but butIIhad hadaaprior priorengagement. engagement.Minnie Minnie didn’t didn’tmention mentionthe theeel. eel.What’s What’sthis thisIIhear hearabout aboutyou youfighting fightingaaduel duelover over the thegirl, girl,though?” though?”

“What?

“What?ItItwasn’t— wasn’t—””He Hestopped, stopped,trying tryingto tothink. think.“Well, “Well,perhaps perhapsititwas, was, come come to to think. think. Nicholls— Nicholls—you you know, know, that that swine swine who who wrote wrote the the ode ode to to Minnie’s Minnie’sfeet?— feet?—he hekissed kissedMiss MissWoodford, Woodford,and andshe shedidn’t didn’twant wanthim himto, to,so so IIpunched punchedhim. him.Who Whotold toldyou youabout aboutthe theduel?” duel?”

“Richard “RichardTarleton.

Tarleton.He Hecame cameinto intoWhite’s White’scardroom cardroomlate latelast lastnight nightand and said saidhe’d he’djust justseen seenyou youhome.” home.”

“Well, “Well, then, then, you you likely likely know know asas much much about about itit asas II do. do. Oh, Oh, you you want want

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Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

Daddy Daddyback backnow, now,do doyou?” you?”He Hehanded handedDottie Dottieto tohis hisbrother brotherand andbrushed brushed atataadamp damppatch patchof ofsaliva salivaon onthe theshoulder shoulderof ofhis hiscoat. coat.

“I “Isuppose supposethat’s that’swhat whatEnderby’s Enderby’sgetting gettingat.” at.”Hal Halnodded noddedatatthe theearl’s earl’s letter. letter. “That “That you you made made the the poor poor girl girl publicly publicly conspicuous conspicuous and and comprocompromised misedher hervirtue virtueby byfighting fightingaascandalous scandalousduel duelover overher. her.IIsuppose supposehe’s he’sgot got aapoint.” point.”

Dottie Dottiewas wasnow nowgumming gummingher herfather’s father’sknuckle, knuckle,making makinglittle littlegrowling growling noises. noises. Hal Hal dug dug in in his his pocket pocket and and came came out out with with aa silver silver teething teething ring, ring, which which he he offered offered her her in in lieu lieu of of his his finger, finger, meanwhile meanwhile giving giving Grey Grey aa sidesidelong longlook. look.

“You “You don’t don’t want want to to marry marry Caroline Caroline Woodford, Woodford, do do you? you? That’s That’s what what Enderby’s Enderby’sdemand demandamounts amountsto.” to.”

“God, “God, no.” no.” Caroline Caroline was was aa good good friend— friend—bright, bright, pretty, pretty, and and given given to to mad madescapades— escapades—but butmarriage? marriage?Him? Him? Hal Halnodded. nodded.

“Lovely “Lovelygirl, girl,but butyou’d you’dend endin inNewgate Newgateor orBedlam Bedlamwithin withinaamonth.” month.”

“Or “Ordead,” dead,”Grey Greysaid, said,gingerly gingerlypicking pickingatatthe thebandage bandageTom Tomhad hadinsisted insisted on onwrapping wrappinground roundhis hisknuckles. knuckles.“How’s “How’sNicholls Nichollsthis thismorning, morning,do doyou you know?” know?”

“Ah.” “Ah.”Hal Halrocked rockedback backaalittle, little,drawing drawingaadeep deepbreath. breath.“Well “Well......dead, dead, actually. actually.IIhad hadrather ratheraanasty nastyletter letterfrom fromhis hisfather, father,accusing accusingyou youof ofmurder. murder.

That Thatone onecame cameover overbreakfast; breakfast;didn’t didn’tthink thinkto tobring bringit. it.Did Didyou youmean meanto to kill killhim?” him?”

Grey Greysat satdown downquite quitesuddenly, suddenly,all allthe theblood bloodhaving havingleft lefthis hishead. head.

“No,” “No,” he he whispered. whispered. His His lips lips felt felt stiff stiff and and his his hands hands had had gone gone numb. numb.

“Oh, “Oh,Jesus.

Jesus.No.” No.” Hal Halswiftly swiftlypulled pulledhis hissnuffbox snuffboxfrom fromhis hispocket, pocket,oneone-handed, handed,dumped dumped out out the the vial vial of of smelling smelling salts salts he he kept kept in in it, it, and and handed handed itit to to his his brother. brother.

Grey Grey was was grateful; grateful; he he hadn’t hadn’t been been going going to to faint, faint, but but the the assault assault of of amammoniac moniacfumes fumesgave gavehim himexcuse excusefor forwatering wateringeyes eyesand andcongested congestedbreathing. breathing.

“Jesus,” “Jesus,”he herepeated, repeated,and andsneezed sneezedexplosively explosivelyseveral severaltimes timesin inaarow. row.“I “I didn’t didn’taim aimto tokill— kill—IIswear swearit, it,Hal. Hal.IIdeloped. deloped.Or Ortried triedto,” to,”he headded addedhonhonestly. estly.

Lord Lord Enderby’s Enderby’s letter letter now now made made more more sense, sense, asas did did Hal’s Hal’s presence. presence.

What Whathad hadbeen beenaasilly sillyaffair affairthat thatshould shouldhave havedisappeared disappearedwith withthe themorning morning dew dewhad hadbecome— become—or orwould, would,directly directlythe thegossip gossiphad hadtime timeto tospread— spread—not not merely merelyaascandal scandalbut butquite quitepossibly possiblysomething somethingworse. worse.ItItwas wasnot notunthinkunthinkmight be be arrested arrested for for murder. murder. Quite Quite without without warning, warning, the the able able that that he he might figured figuredcarpet carpetyawned yawnedatathis hisfeet, feet,an anabyss abyssinto intowhich whichhis hislife lifemight mightvanish. vanish.

Hal Halnodded noddedand andgave gavehim himhis hisown ownhandkerchief. handkerchief.

“I “I know,” know,” he he said said quietly. quietly. “Things “Things......happen happen sometimes. sometimes. That That you you don’t don’tintend— intend—that thatyou’d you’dgive giveyour yourlife lifeto tohave haveback.” back.”

Grey Greywiped wipedhis hisface, face,glancing glancingatathis hisbrother brotherunder undercover coverof ofthe thegesture. gesture.

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

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Hal Hal looked looked suddenly suddenly older older than than his his years, years, his his face face drawn drawn by by more more than than worry worryover overGrey.

Grey.

“Nathaniel “NathanielTwelvetrees, Twelvetrees,you youmean?” mean?”Normally Normallyhe hewouldn’t wouldn’thave havemenmentioned tionedthat thatmatter, matter,but butboth bothmen’s men’sguards guardswere weredown. down.

Hal Halgave gavehim himaasharp sharplook, look,then thenglanced glancedaway. away.

“No, “No,not notTwelvetrees.

Twelvetrees.IIhadn’t hadn’tany anychoice choiceabout aboutthat. that.And AndIIdid didmean mean to tokill killhim. him.IImeant meant......what whatled ledto tothat thatduel.” duel.”He Hegrimaced. grimaced.“Marry “Marryin in haste, haste,repent repentatatleisure.” leisure.”He Helooked lookedatatthe thenote noteon onthe thetable tableand andshook shookhis his head. head.His Hishand handpassed passedgently gentlyover overDottie’s Dottie’shead. head.“I “Iwon’t won’thave haveyou yourepeat repeat my mymistakes, mistakes,John,” John,”he hesaid saidquietly. quietly.

Grey Greynodded, nodded,wordless. wordless.Hal’s Hal’sfirst firstwife wifehad hadbeen beenseduced seducedby byNathaniel Nathaniel Twelvetrees.

Twelvetrees. Hal’s Hal’s mistakes mistakes notwithstanding, notwithstanding, Grey Grey had had never never intended intended marriage marriagewith withanyone anyoneand anddidn’t didn’tnow. now.

Hal Hal frowned, frowned, tapping tapping the the folded folded letter letter on on the the table table in in thought. thought. He He darted dartedaaglance glanceatatJohn Johnand andsighed, sighed,then thenset setthe theletter letterdown, down,reached reachedinto into his his coat, coat, and and withdrew withdrew two two further further documents, documents, one one clearly clearly official, official, from from its itsseal. seal.

“Your “Your new new commission,” commission,” he he said, said, handing handing itit over. over. “For “For Crefeld,” Crefeld,” he he said, said, raising raising an an eyebrow eyebrow atat his his brother’s brother’s look look of of blank blank incomprehension. incomprehension.

“You “Youwere werebrevetted brevettedlieutenantlieutenant-colonel. colonel.You Youdidn’t didn’tremember?” remember?”

“I— “I—well well......not not exactly.” exactly.” He He had had aa vague vague feeling feeling that that someone— someone— probably probably Hal— Hal—had had told told him him about about it, it, soon soon after after Crefeld, Crefeld, but but he’d he’d been been badly badlywounded woundedthen thenand andin inno noframe frameof ofmind mindto tothink thinkabout aboutthe thearmy, army,let let alone aloneto tocare careabout aboutbattlefield battlefieldpromotion. promotion.Later— Later— “Wasn’t “Wasn’tthere theresome someconfusion confusionover overit?” it?”Grey Greytook tookthe thecommission commissionand and opened openedit, it,frowning. frowning.“I “Ithought thoughtthey’d they’dchanged changedtheir theirminds.” minds.”

“Oh, “Oh,you youdo doremember, remember,then,” then,”Hal Halsaid, said,eyebrow eyebrowstill stillcocked. cocked.“Gen“General eral Wiedman Wiedman gave gave itit to to you you after after the the battle. battle. The The confirmation confirmation was was held held up, up, though, though, because because of of the the inquiry inquiry into into the the cannon cannon explosion, explosion, and and then then the the......ah ah......kerfuffle kerfuffleover overAdams.”

Adams.”

“Oh.” “Oh.”Grey Greywas wasstill stillshaken shakenby bythe thenews newsof ofNicholls’s Nicholls’sdeath, death,but butmenmention tionof ofAdams Adamsstarted startedhis hisbrain brainfunctioning functioningagain. again.“Adams.

“Adams.Oh. Oh.You Youmean mean Twelvetrees Twelvetreesheld heldup upthe thecommission?” commission?”Colonel ColonelReginald ReginaldTwelvetrees, Twelvetrees,of of the the Royal Royal Artillery: Artillery: brother brother to to Nathaniel Nathaniel and and cousin cousin to to Bernard Bernard Adams, Adams, the thetraitor traitorawaiting awaitingtrial trialin inthe theTower Towerasasaaresult resultof ofGrey’s Grey’sefforts effortsthe theprepreceding cedingautumn. autumn.

“Yes. “Yes.Bastard,” Bastard,”Hal Haladded addeddispassionately. dispassionately.“I’ll “I’llhave havehim himfor forbreakfast, breakfast, one oneof ofthese thesedays.” days.”

“Not “Noton onmy myaccount, account,IIhope,” hope,”Grey Greysaid saiddryly. dryly.

“Oh, “Oh,no,” no,”Hal Halassured assuredhim, him,jiggling jigglinghis hisdaughter daughtergently gentlyto toprevent preventher her fussing. fussing.“It “Itwill willbe beaapurely purelypersonal personalpleasure.” pleasure.”

Grey Greysmiled smiledatatthat, that,despite despitehis hisdisquiet, disquiet,and andput putdown downthe thecommission. commission.

“Right,” “Right,” he he said, said, with with aa glance glance atat the the fourth fourth document, document, which which still still lay lay

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folded foldedon onthe thetable. table.ItItwas wasan anofficialofficial-looking lookingletter letterand andhad hadbeen beenopened; opened; the theseal sealwas wasbroken. broken.“A “Aproposal proposalof ofmarriage, marriage,aadenunciation denunciationfor formurder, murder, and andaanew newcommission— commission—what whatthe thedevil’s devil’sthat thatone? one?AAbill billfrom frommy mytailor?” tailor?”

“Ah, “Ah,that. that.IIdidn’t didn’tmean meanto toshow showititto toyou,” you,”Hal Halsaid, said,leaning leaningcarefully carefully to to hand hand itit over over without without dropping dropping Dottie.

Dottie. “But “But under under the the circumcircumstances stances.....”.”

Hal Halwaited, waited,noncommittal, noncommittal,asasGrey Greyopened openedthe theletter letterand andread readit. it.ItItwas was aa request— request—or or an an order, order, depending depending how how you you looked looked atat it— it—for for the the attenattendance dance of of Major Major Lord Lord John John Grey Grey atat the the courtcourt-martial martial of of one one Captain Captain Charles CharlesCarruthers, Carruthers,to toserve serveasaswitness witnessof ofcharacter characterfor forthe thesame. same.In In......

“In “InCanada?”

Canada?”John’s John’sexclamation exclamationstartled startledDottie, Dottie,who whocrumpled crumpledup upher her face faceand andthreatened threatenedto tocry. cry.

“Hush, “Hush,sweetheart.” sweetheart.”Hal Haljiggled jiggledfaster, faster,hastily hastilypatting pattingher herback. back.“It’s “It’sall all right; right;only onlyUncle UncleJohn Johnbeing beingan anass.” ass.”

Grey Greyignored ignoredthis, this,waving wavingthe theletter letteratathis hisbrother. brother.

“What “What the the devil devil isis Charlie Charlie Carruthers Carruthers being being courtcourt-martialed martialed for? for? And And why whyon onearth eartham amIIbeing beingsummoned summonedasasaacharacter characterwitness?” witness?”

“Failure “Failureto tosuppress suppressaamutiny,” mutiny,”Hal Halsaid. said.“As “Asto towhy whyyou— you—he heasked askedfor for you, you, apparently. apparently. An An officer officer under under charges charges isis allowed allowed to to call call his his own own witwitnesses, nesses,for forwhatever whateverpurpose. purpose.Didn’t Didn’tyou youknow knowthat?” that?”

Grey Grey supposed supposed that that he he had, had, in in an an academic academic sort sort of of way. way. But But he he had had never never attended attended aa courtcourt-martial martial himself; himself; itit wasn’t wasn’t aa common common proceeding, proceeding, and andhe hehad hadno noreal realidea ideaof ofthe theshape shapeof ofthe theproceedings. proceedings.He Heglanced glancedsidesideways waysatatHal. Hal. “You “Yousay sayyou youdidn’t didn’tmean meanto toshow showititto tome?” me?”

Hal Halshrugged shruggedand andblew blewsoftly softlyover overthe thetop topof ofhis hisdaughter’s daughter’shead, head,makmaking ingthe theshort shortblond blondhairs hairsfurrow furrowand andrise riselike likewheat wheatin inthe thewind. wind.

“No “Nopoint. point.IImeant meantto towrite writeback backand andsay saythat thatasasyour yourcommanding commandingofofficer ficerIIrequired requiredyou youhere; here;why whyshould shouldyou yoube bedragged draggedoff offto tothe thewilds wildsof of Canada?

Canada?But Butgiven givenyour yourtalent talentfor forawkward awkwardsituations situations......What Whatdid didititfeel feel like?” like?”he heinquired inquiredcuriously. curiously.

“What “Whatdid— did—oh, oh,the theeel.” eel.”Grey Greywas wasaccustomed accustomedto tohis hisbrother’s brother’slightlightning ning shifts shifts of of conversation conversation and and made made the the adjustment adjustment easily. easily. “Well, “Well, itit was was rather ratheraashock.” shock.”

He He laughed— laughed—ifif tremulously— tremulously—atat Hal’s Hal’s glower, glower, and and Dottie Dottie squirmed squirmed round roundin inher herfather’s father’sarms, arms,reaching reachingout outher herown ownplump plumplittle littlearms armsappealappealingly inglyto toher heruncle. uncle.

“Flirt,” “Flirt,”he hetold toldher, her,taking takingher herfrom fromHal. Hal.“No, “No,really, really,ititwas wasremarkable. remarkable.

You Youknow knowhow howititfeels feelswhen whenyou youbreak breakaabone? bone?That Thatsort sortof ofjolt joltthat thatgoes goes right right through through you you before before you you feel feel the the pain, pain, and and you you go go blind blind for for aa momoment mentand andfeel feelasasififsomeone’s someone’sdriven drivenaanail nailthrough throughyour yourbelly? belly?ItItwas waslike like that, that,only onlymuch muchstronger, stronger,and andititwent wenton onfor forlonger. longer.Stopped Stoppedmy mybreath,” breath,” he he admitted. admitted. “Quite “Quite literally. literally. And And my my heart, heart, too, too, II think. think. Dr. Dr. Hunter— Hunter—

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

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you youknow, know,the theanatomist?— anatomist?—was wasthere thereand andpounded poundedon onmy mychest chestto toget getitit started startedagain.” again.”

Hal Hal was was listening listening with with close close attention attention and and asked asked several several questions, questions, which which Grey Grey answered answered automatically, automatically, his his mind mind occupied occupied with with this this latest latest surprising surprisingcommuniqué. communiqué.

Charlie CharlieCarruthers.

Carruthers.They’d They’dbeen beenyoung youngofficers officerstogether, together,though thoughfrom from different different regiments. regiments. Fought Fought beside beside each each other other in in Scotland, Scotland, gone gone round round London London together together for for aa bit bit on on their their next next leave. leave. They’d They’d had— had—well, well, you you couldn’t couldn’tcall callititan anaffair. affair.Three Threeor orfour fourbrief briefencounters— encounters—sweating, sweating,breathbreathless lessquarters quartersof ofan anhour hourin indark darkcorners cornersthat thatcould couldbe beconveniently convenientlyforgotforgotten tenin indaylight daylightor orshrugged shruggedoff offasasthe theresult resultof ofdrunkenness, drunkenness,not notspoken spokenof of by byeither eitherparty. party.

That That had had been been in in the the Bad Bad Time, Time, asas he he thought thought of of it: it: those those years years after after Hector’s Hector’s death, death, when when he’d he’d sought sought oblivion oblivion wherever wherever he he could could find find it— it— and andfound foundititoften— often—before beforeslowly slowlyrecovering recoveringhimself. himself.

Likely Likely he he wouldn’t wouldn’t have have recalled recalled Carruthers Carruthers atat all, all, save save for for the the one one thing. thing.

Carruthers Carruthers had had been been born born with with an an interesting interesting deformity— deformity—he he had had aa double doublehand. hand.While WhileCarruthers’s Carruthers’sright righthand handwas wasnormal normalin inappearance appearanceand and worked workedquite quiteasasusual, usual,there therewas wasanother, another,dwarf dwarfhand handthat thatsprang sprangfrom fromhis his wrist wristand andnestled nestledneatly neatlyagainst againstits itslarger largerpartner. partner.Dr. Dr.Hunter Hunterwould wouldprobprobably ablypay payhundreds hundredsfor forthat thathand, hand,Grey Greythought, thought,with withaamild mildlurch lurchof ofthe the stomach. stomach.

The Thedwarf dwarfhand handhad hadonly onlytwo twoshort shortfingers fingersand andaastubby stubbythumb— thumb—but but Carruthers Carrutherscould couldopen openand andclose closeit, it,though thoughnot notwithout withoutalso alsoopening openingand and closing closing the the larger larger one. one. The The shock shock when when Carruthers Carruthers had had closed closed both both of of them themsimultaneously simultaneouslyon onGrey’s Grey’sprick prickhad hadbeen beennearly nearlyasasextraordinary extraordinaryasas had hadthe theelectric electriceel’s. eel’s.

“Nicholls “Nicholls hasn’t hasn’t been been buried buried yet, yet, has has he?” he?” he he asked asked abruptly, abruptly, the the thought thought of of the the eel eel party party and and Dr. Dr. Hunter Hunter causing causing him him to to interrupt interrupt some some remark remarkof ofHal’s.

Hal’s.

Hal Hallooked lookedsurprised. surprised.

“Surely “Surelynot. not.Why?” Why?”He Henarrowed narrowedhis hiseyes eyesatatGrey.

Grey.“You “Youdon’t don’tmean meanto to attend attendthe thefuneral, funeral,do doyou?” you?”

“No, “No, no,” no,” Grey Grey said said hastily. hastily. “I “I was was only only thinking thinking of of Dr. Dr. Hunter.

Hunter. He, He, um, um,has hasaacertain certainreputation, reputation,and andNicholls Nichollsdid didgo gooff offwith withhim. him.After Afterthe the duel.” duel.”

“A “Areputation reputationasaswhat, what,for forGod’s God’ssake?” sake?”Hal Haldemanded demandedimpatiently. impatiently.

“As “Asaabody bodysnatcher,” snatcher,”Grey Greyblurted. blurted.

There There was was aa sudden sudden silence, silence, awareness awareness dawning dawning in in Hal’s Hal’s face. face. He’d He’d gone gonepale. pale.

“You “Youdon’t don’tthink— think—no! no!How Howcould couldhe?” he?”

“A “A......um um......hundredweight hundredweightor orso soof ofstones stonessubstituted substitutedjust justprior priorto to

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the thecoffin’s coffin’sbeing beingnailed nailedshut shutisisthe theusual usualmethod— method—or orso soI’ve I’veheard,” heard,”Grey Grey said, said,asaswell wellasashe hecould couldwith withDottie’s Dottie’sfist fistpoked pokedup uphis hisnose. nose.

Hal Halswallowed. swallowed.Grey Greycould couldsee seethe thehairs hairsrise riseon onhis hiswrist. wrist.

“I’ll “I’llask askHarry,” Harry,”Hal Halsaid, said,after afteraashort shortsilence. silence.“The “Thefuneral funeralcan’t can’thave have been beenarranged arrangedyet, yet,and andifif.....”.”

Both Bothbrothers brothersshuddered shudderedreflexively, reflexively,imagining imaginingall alltoo tooexactly exactlythe thescene scene asasan anagitated agitatedfamily familymember memberinsisted insistedupon uponraising raisingthe thecoffin coffinlid, lid,to tofind find......

“Maybe “Maybebetter betternot,” not,”Grey Greysaid, said,swallowing. swallowing.Dottie Dottiehad hadleft leftoff offtrying tryingto to remove removehis hisnose noseand andwas waspatting pattingher hertiny tinyhand handover overhis hislips lipsasashe hetalked. talked.

The Thefeel feelof ofititon onhis hisskin skin......

He Hepeeled peeledher hergently gentlyoff offand andgave gaveher herback backto toHal. Hal. “I “Idon’t don’tknow knowwhat whatuse useCharles CharlesCarruthers Carruthersthinks thinksIImight mightbe beto tohim— him— but, but, all all right, right, I’ll I’ll go.” go.” He He glanced glanced atat Lord Lord Enderby’s Enderby’s note, note, Caroline’s Caroline’s crumpled crumpledmissive. missive.“After “Afterall, all,IIsuppose supposethere thereare areworse worsethings thingsthan thanbeing being scalped scalpedby byred redIndians.”

Indians.”

Hal Halnodded, nodded,sober. sober.

“I’ve “I’vearranged arrangedyour yoursailing. sailing.You Youleave leavetomorrow.” tomorrow.”He Hestood stoodand andlifted lifted Dottie.

Dottie.“Here, “Here,sweetheart. sweetheart.Kiss Kissyour yourUncle UncleJohn Johngoodbye.” goodbye.”

AAmonth monthlater, later,Grey Greyfound foundhimself, himself,Tom TomByrd Byrdatathis hisside, side,climbclimbHarwoodand andinto intoone oneof ofthe thesmall smallboats boatsthat thatwould wouldland landthem them ing ingoff offthe theHarwood and and the the battalion battalion of of Louisbourg Louisbourg grenadiers grenadiers with with whom whom they they had had been been traveling travelingon onaalarge largeisland islandnear nearthe themouth mouthof ofthe theSt. St.Lawrence LawrenceRiver.

River.

He Hehad hadnever neverseen seenanything anythinglike likeit. it.The Theriver riveritself itselfwas waslarger largerthan thanany any he hehad hadever everseen, seen,nearly nearlyhalf halfaamile mileacross, across,running runningwide wideand anddeep, deep,aadark dark blueblue-black blackunder underthe thesun. sun.Great Greatcliffs cliffsand andundulating undulatinghills hillsrose roseon oneither either side side of of the the river, river, so so thickly thickly forested forested that that the the underlying underlying stone stone was was nearly nearly invisible. invisible.ItItwas washot, hot,and andthe thesky skyarched archedbrilliant brilliantoverhead, overhead,much muchbrighter brighter and and much much wider wider than than any any sky sky he he had had seen seen before. before. AA loud loud hum hum echoed echoed from from the the lush lush growth— growth—insects, insects, he he supposed, supposed, birds, birds, and and the the rush rush of of the the water, water, though though itit felt felt asas ifif the the wilderness wilderness were were singing singing to to itself, itself, in in aa voice voice heard heardonly onlyin inhis hisblood. blood.Beside Besidehim, him,Tom Tomwas wasfairly fairlyvibrating vibratingwith withexciteexcitement, ment,his hiseyes eyesout outon onstalks, stalks,not notto tomiss missanything. anything.

“Cor, “Cor,isisthat thataared redIndian?”

Indian?”he hewhispered, whispered,leaning leaningclose closeto toGrey Greyin inthe the boat. boat.

“I “Idon’t don’tsuppose supposehe hecan canbe beanything anythingelse,” else,”Grey Greyreplied, replied,asasthe thegentlegentleman man loitering loitering by by the the landing landing was was naked naked save save for for aa breechclout, breechclout, aa striped striped blanket blanketslung slungover overone oneshoulder, shoulder,and andaacoating coatingof ofwhat— what—from fromthe theshimshimmer merof ofhis hislimbs— limbs—appeared appearedto tobe begrease greaseof ofsome somekind. kind.

“I “Ithought thoughtthey’d they’dbe beredder,” redder,”Tom Tomsaid, said,echoing echoingGrey’s Grey’sown ownthought. thought.

The TheIndian’s Indian’sskin skinwas wasconsiderably considerablydarker darkerthan thanGrey’s Grey’sown, own,to tobe besure, sure,but but

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

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aarather ratherpleasant pleasantsoft softbrown brownin incolor, color,something somethinglike likedried driedoak oakleaves. leaves.The The Indian Indianappeared appearedto tofind findthem themnearly nearlyasasinteresting interestingasasthey theyhad hadfound foundhim; him; he hewas waseyeing eyeingGrey Greyin inparticular particularwith withintent intentconsideration. consideration.

“It’s “It’s your your hair, hair, me me lord,” lord,” Tom Tom hissed hissed in in Grey’s Grey’s ear. ear. “I “I told told you you you you ought oughtto tohave haveworn wornaawig.” wig.”

“Nonsense, “Nonsense,Tom.” Tom.”At Atthe thesame sametime, time,Grey Greyexperienced experiencedan anodd oddfrisson frisson up upthe theback backof ofthe theneck, neck,constricting constrictinghis hisscalp. scalp.Vain Vainof ofhis hishair, hair,which whichwas was blond blondand andthick, thick,he hedidn’t didn’tcommonly commonlywear wearaawig, wig,choosing choosinginstead insteadto tobind bind and and powder powder his his own own for for formal formal occasions. occasions. The The present present occasion occasion wasn’t wasn’t formal formal in in the the least. least. With With the the advent advent of of freshwater freshwater aboard, aboard, Tom Tom had had ininsisted sistedupon uponwashing washingGrey’s Grey’shair hairthat thatmorning, morning,and andititwas wasstill stillspread spreadloose loose upon uponhis hisshoulders, shoulders,though thoughitithad hadlong longsince sincedried. dried.

The Theboat boatcrunched crunchedon onthe theshingle, shingle,and andthe theIndian Indianflung flungaside asidehis hisblanblanket ketand andcame cameto tohelp helpthe themen menrun runititup upthe theshore. shore.Grey Greyfound foundhimself himselfnext next to to the the man, man, close close enough enough to to smell smell him. him. He He smelled smelled quite quite unlike unlike anyone anyone Grey Grey had had ever ever encountered: encountered: gamy, gamy, certainly— certainly—he he wondered, wondered, with with aa small small thrill, thrill,whether whetherthe thegrease greasethe theman manwore woremight mightbe bebear bearfat— fat—but butwith withthe the tang tangof ofherbs herbsand andaasweat sweatlike likefreshfresh-sheared shearedcopper. copper.

Straightening Straighteningup upfrom fromthe thegunwale, gunwale,the theIndian Indiancaught caughtGrey’s Grey’seye eyeand and smiled. smiled.

“You “You be be careful, careful, Englishman,” Englishman,” he he said, said, in in aa voice voice with with aa noticeable noticeable French French accent, accent, and, and, reaching reaching out, out, ran ran his his fingers fingers quite quite casually casually through through Grey’s Grey’sloose loosehair. hair.“Your “Yourscalp scalpwould wouldlook lookgood goodon onaaHuron’s Huron’sbelt.” belt.”

This This made made the the soldiers soldiers from from the the boat boat all all laugh, laugh, and and the the Indian, Indian, still still smiling, smiling,turned turnedto tothem. them.

“They “They are are not not so so particular, particular, the the Abenaki Abenaki who who work work for for the the French.

French. AA scalp scalpisisaascalp— scalp—and andthe theFrench Frenchpay paywell wellfor forone, one,no nomatter matterwhat whatcolor.” color.”

He He nodded nodded genially genially to to the the grenadiers, grenadiers, who who had had stopped stopped laughing. laughing. “You “You come comewith withme.” me.”

There There was was aa small smallcamp campon onthe theisland islandalready, already,aadetachment detachmentof ofininfantry fantryunder underaaCaptain CaptainWoodford— Woodford—whose whosename namegave gaveGrey Greyaaslight slightwariwariness nessbut butwho whoturned turnedout outto tobe beno norelation, relation,thank thankGod, God,to toLord LordEnderby’s Enderby’s family. family.

“We’re “We’refairly fairlysafe safeon onthis thisside sideof ofthe theisland,” island,”he hetold toldGrey, Grey,offering offeringhim him aaflask flaskof ofbrandy brandyoutside outsidehis hisown owntent tentafter aftersupper. supper.“But “Butthe theIndians Indiansraid raid the the other other side side regularly— regularly—II lost lost four four men men last last week, week, three three killed killed and and one one carried carriedoff.” off.”

“You “Youhave haveyour yourown ownscouts, scouts,though?” though?”Grey Greyasked, asked,slapping slappingatatthe themosmosquitoes quitoesthat thathad hadbegun begunto toswarm swarmin inthe thedusk. dusk.He Hehad hadnot notseen seenthe theIndian Indian who whohad hadbrought broughtthem themto tothe thecamp campagain, again,but butthere therewere wereseveral severalmore morein in

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camp. camp. Most Most clustered clustered together together around around their their own own fire, fire, but but one one or or two two squatted, squatted, brightbright-eyed eyed and and watchful, watchful, among among the the Louisbourg Louisbourg grenadiers grenadiers Harwood.. who whohad hadcrossed crossedwith withGrey Greyon onthe theHarwood “Yes, “Yes, and and trustworthy trustworthy for for the the most most part,” part,” Woodford Woodford said, said, answering answering Grey’s Grey’s unasked unasked question. question. He He laughed, laughed, though though not not with with any any humor. humor. “At “At least leastwe wehope hopeso.” so.”

Woodford Woodford gave gave him him supper, supper, and and they they had had aa hand hand of of cards, cards, Grey Grey exexchanging changingnews newsof ofhome homefor forgossip gossipof ofthe thecurrent currentcampaign. campaign.

General General Wolfe Wolfe had had spent spent no no little little time time atat Montmorency, Montmorency, below below the the town townof ofQuebec, Quebec,but buthad hadnothing nothingbut butdisappointment disappointmentfrom fromhis hisattempts attempts there, there,and andso sohad hadabandoned abandonedthat thatpost, post,regathering regatheringthe themain mainbody bodyof ofhis his troops troopssome somemiles milesupstream upstreamfrom fromthe theCitadel Citadelof ofQuebec.

Quebec.The Thesoso-far farimimpregnable pregnable fortress, fortress, perched perched on on sheer sheer cliffs cliffs above above the the river, river, commanded commanded both boththe theriver riverand andthe theplains plainsto tothe thewest westwith withher hercannon, cannon,obliging obligingEnglish English warships warshipsto tosteal stealpast pastunder undercover coverof ofnight— night—and andnot notalways alwayssuccessfully. successfully.

“Wolfe’ll “Wolfe’llbe bechamping champingatatthe thebit, bit,now nowhis hisgrenadiers grenadiersare arecome,” come,”WoodWoodford fordpredicted. predicted.“He “Heputs putsgreat greatstore storeby bythose thosefellows; fellows;fought foughtwith with’em ’ematat Louisbourg.

Louisbourg.Here, Here,Colonel, Colonel,you’re you’rebeing beingeaten eatenalive— alive—try tryaabit bitof ofthis thison on your yourhands handsand andface.” face.”He Hedug dugabout aboutin inhis hiscampaign campaignchest chestand andcame cameup up with withaatin tinof ofstrongstrong-smelling smellinggrease, grease,which whichhe hepushed pushedacross acrossthe thetable. table.

“Bear “Bear grease grease and and mint,” mint,” he he explained. explained. “The “The Indians Indians use use it— it—that, that, or or cover coverthemselves themselveswith withmud.” mud.”

Grey Grey helped helped himself himself liberally; liberally; the the scent scent wasn’t wasn’t quite quite the the same same asas what what he hehad hadsmelled smelledearlier earlieron onthe thescout, scout,but butititwas wasvery verysimilar, similar,and andhe hefelt feltan an odd oddsense senseof ofdisturbance disturbancein inits itsapplication. application.Though Thoughititdid diddiscourage discouragethe the biting bitinginsects. insects.

He He had had made made no no secret secret of of the the reason reason for for his his presence presence and and now now asked asked openly openlyabout aboutCarruthers.

Carruthers.

“Where “Whereisishe heheld, held,do doyou youknow?” know?”

Woodford Woodfordfrowned frownedand andpoured pouredmore morebrandy. brandy.

“He’s “He’s not. not. He’s He’s paroled; paroled; has has aa billet billet in in the the town town atat Gareon, Gareon, where where Wolfe’s Wolfe’sheadquarters headquartersare.” are.”

“Ah?” “Ah?” Grey Grey was was mildly mildly surprised— surprised—but, but, then, then, Carruthers Carruthers was was not not charged chargedwith withmutiny mutinybut butrather ratherwith withfailure failureto tosuppress suppressone— one—aarare rarecharge. charge.

“Do “Doyou youknow knowthe theparticulars particularsof ofthe thecase?” case?”

Woodford Woodfordopened openedhis hismouth, mouth,asasthough thoughto tospeak, speak,but butthen thendrew drewaadeep deep breath, breath,shook shookhis hishead, head,and anddrank drankbrandy. brandy.From Fromwhich whichGrey Greydeduced deducedthat that probably probablyeveryone everyoneknew knewthe theparticulars particularsbut butthat thatthere therewas wassomething somethingfishy fishy about aboutthe theaffair. affair.Well, Well,time timeenough. enough.He’d He’dhear hearabout aboutthe thematter matterdirectly directly from fromCarruthers.

Carruthers.

Conversation Conversation became became general, general, and and after after aa time time Grey Grey said said good good night. night.

The Thegrenadiers grenadiershad hadbeen beenbusy; busy;aanew newlittle littlecity cityof ofcanvas canvastents tentshad hadsprung sprung

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

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up up atat the the edge edge of of the the existing existing camp, camp, and and the the appetizing appetizing smells smells of of fresh fresh meat meatroasting roastingand andtea teabrewing brewingwere wererising risingon onthe theair. air.

Tom Tom had had doubtless doubtless managed managed to to raise raise his his own own tent, tent, somewhere somewhere in in the the mass. mass.Grey Greywas wasin inno nohurry hurryto tofind findit, it,though; though;he hewas wasenjoying enjoyingthe thenovel novel sensations sensationsof offirm firmfooting footingand andsolitude, solitude,after afterweeks weeksof ofcrowded crowdedshipboard shipboard life. life.He Hecut cutoutside outsidethe theorderly orderlyrows rowsof ofnew newtents, tents,walking walkingjust justbeyond beyondthe the glow glowof ofthe thefirelight, firelight,feeling feelingpleasantly pleasantlyinvisible, invisible,though thoughstill stillclose closeenough enough for forsafety— safety—or oratatleast leasthe hehoped hopedso. so.The Theforest foreststood stoodonly onlyaafew fewyards yardsaway, away, the theoutlines outlinesof oftrees treesand andbushes bushesstill stillvisible, visible,the thedark darknot notquite quitecomplete. complete.

AA drifting drifting spark spark of of green green drew drew his his eye, eye, and and he he felt felt delight delight well well up up in in him. him.There Therewas wasanother another......another another......ten, ten,aadozen, dozen,and andthe theair airwas wassudsuddenly denlyfull fullof offireflies, fireflies,soft softgreen greensparks sparksthat thatwinked winkedon onand andoff, off,glowing glowinglike like tiny tiny distant distant candles candles among among the the dark dark foliage. foliage. He’d He’d seen seen fireflies fireflies once once or or twice twicebefore, before,in inGermany, Germany,but butnever neverin insuch suchabundance. abundance.They Theywere weresimple simple magic, magic,pure pureasasmoonlight. moonlight.

He Hecould couldnot nothave havesaid saidhow howlong longhe hewatched watchedthem, them,wandering wanderingslowly slowly along along the the edge edge of of the the encampment, encampment, but but atat last last he he sighed sighed and and turned turned toward toward the the center, center, fullfull-fed, fed, pleasantly pleasantly tired, tired, and and with with no no immediate immediate reresponsibility sponsibility to to do do anything. anything. He He had had no no troops troops under under his his command, command, no no reports reports to to write write......nothing, nothing, really, really, to to do do until until he he reached reached Gareon Gareon and and Charlie CharlieCarruthers.

Carruthers.

With Withaasigh sighof ofpeace, peace,he heclosed closedthe theflap flapof ofhis histent tentand andshucked shuckedhis hisouter outer clothing. clothing.

He Hewas wasroused rousedabruptly abruptlyfrom fromthe theedge edgeof ofsleep sleepby byscreams screamsand andshouts, shouts, and andsat satbolt boltupright. upright.Tom, Tom,who whohad hadbeen beenasleep asleepon onhis hisbed bedsack sackatatGrey’s Grey’s feet, feet, sprang sprang up up like like aa frog frog onto onto hands hands and and knees, knees, scrabbling scrabbling madly madly for for pistol pistoland andshot shotin inthe thechest. chest.

Not Notwaiting, waiting,Grey Greyseized seizedthe thedagger daggerhe hehad hadhung hungon onthe thetent tentpeg pegbebefore foreretiring retiringand, and,flinging flingingback backthe theflap, flap,peered peeredout. out.Men Menwere wererushing rushingto to and andfro, fro,colliding collidingwith withtents, tents,shouting shoutingorders, orders,yelling yellingfor forhelp. help.There Therewas was aaglow glowin inthe thesky, sky,aareddening reddeningof ofthe thelowlow-hanging hangingclouds. clouds.

“Fireships!”

“Fireships!”someone someoneshouted. shouted.Grey Greyshoved shovedhis hisfeet feetinto intohis hisshoes shoesand and joined joinedthe thethrong throngof ofmen mennow nowrushing rushingtoward towardthe thewater. water.

HarOut Out in in the the center center of of the the broad broad dark dark river river stood stood the the bulk bulk of of the the Haranchor.And Andcoming comingslowly slowlydown downupon uponher herwere wereone, one,two, two,and and wood, wood,atatanchor. then then three three blazing blazing vessels. vessels. AA raft, raft, stacked stacked with with flammable flammable waste, waste, doused doused with withoil oiland andset setafire. afire.AAsmall smallboat, boat,its itsmast mastand andsail sailflaming flamingbright brightagainst against the thenight. night.Something Somethingelse— else—an anIndian Indiancanoe, canoe,with withaaheap heapof ofburning burninggrass grass and andleaves? leaves?Too Toofar farto tosee, see,but butititwas wascoming comingcloser. closer.

He He glanced glanced atat the the ship ship and and saw saw movement movement on on deck— deck—too too far far to to make make out out individual individual men, men, but but things things were were happening. happening. The The ship ship couldn’t couldn’t raise raise anchor anchorand andsail sailaway, away,not notin intime— time—but butshe shewas waslowering loweringher herboats, boats,sailors sailors

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setting settingout outto totry tryto todeflect deflectthe thefireships, fireships,keep keepthem themaway awayfrom fromthe theHarHarwood wood..

Absorbed Absorbed in in the the sight, sight, he he had had not not noticed noticed the the shrieks shrieks and and shouts shouts still still coming comingfrom fromthe theother otherside sideof ofthe thecamp. camp.But Butnow, now,asasthe themen menon onthe theshore shore fell fell silent, silent, watching watching the the fireships, fireships, they they began began to to stir, stir, realizing realizing belatedly belatedly that thatsomething somethingelse elsewas wasafoot. afoot.

“Indians,” “Indians,” the the man man beside beside Grey Grey said said suddenly, suddenly, asas aa particularly particularly high, high, ululating ululatingscreech screechsplit splitthe theair. air.“Indians!”

“Indians!”

This Thiscry crybecame becamegeneral, general,and andeveryone everyonebegan beganto torush rushin inthe theother otherdidirection. rection.

“Stop!

“Stop!Halt!”

Halt!”Grey Greyflung flungout outan anarm, arm,catching catchingaaman manacross acrossthe thethroat throat and andknocking knockinghim himflat. flat.He Heraised raisedhis hisvoice voicein inthe thevain vainhope hopeof ofstopping stoppingthe the rush. rush.“You! “You!You Youand andyou— you—seize seizeyour yourneighbor, neighbor,come comewith withme!” me!”The Theman man he hehad hadknocked knockeddown downbounced bouncedup upagain, again,whitewhite-eyed eyedin inthe thestarlight. starlight.

“It “Itmay maybe beaatrap!” trap!”Grey Greyshouted. shouted.“Stay “Stayhere! here!Stand Standto toyour yourarms!” arms!”

“Stand!

“Stand!Stand!”

Stand!”AAshort shortgentleman gentlemanin inhis hisnightshirt nightshirttook tookup upthe thecry cryin in aacastcast-iron ironbellow, bellow,adding addingto toits itseffect effectby byseizing seizingaadead deadbranch branchfrom fromthe the ground ground and and laying laying about about himself, himself, turning turning back back those those trying trying to to get get past past him himto tothe theencampment. encampment.

Another Another spark spark grew grew upstream, upstream, and and another another beyond beyond it: it: more more fireships. fireships.

The Theboats boatswere werein inthe thewater waternow, now,mere meredots dotsin inthe thedarkness. darkness.IfIfthey theycould could Harwood might might be be saved saved from from immediate immediate dedefend fend off off the the fireships, fireships, the the Harwood struction; struction; Grey’s Grey’s fear fear was was that that whatever whatever was was going going on on in in the the rear rear of of the the encampment encampmentwas wasaaruse rusedesigned designedto topull pullmen menaway awayfrom fromthe theshore, shore,leaving leaving the theship shipprotected protectedonly onlyby byher hermarines. marines.The TheFrench Frenchcould couldthen thensend senddown down aabarge bargeloaded loadedwith withexplosives, explosives,or oraaboarding boardingcraft, craft,hoping hopingto toelude eludedetecdetection tionwhile whileeveryone everyonewas wasdazzled dazzledor oroccupied occupiedby bythe theblazing blazingfireships fireshipsand and the theraid. raid.

The Thefirst firstof ofthe thefireships fireshipshad haddrifted driftedharmlessly harmlesslyonto ontothe thefar farshore shoreand and was wasburning burningitself itselfout outon onthe thesand, sand,brilliant brilliantand andbeautiful beautifulagainst againstthe thenight. night.

The The short short gentleman gentleman with with the the remarkable remarkable voice— voice—clearly clearly he he was was aa sersergeant, geant,Grey Greythought— thought—had hadsucceeded succeededin inrallying rallyingaasmall smallgroup groupof ofsoldiers, soldiers, whom whomhe henow nowpresented presentedto toGrey Greywith withaabrisk brisksalute. salute.

“Will “Willthey theygo goand andfetch fetchtheir theirmuskets, muskets,all allorderly, orderly,sir?” sir?”

“They “Theywill,” will,”Grey Greysaid. said.“And “Andhurry. hurry.Go Gowith withthem, them,Sergeant— Sergeant—ititisisSerSergeant?” geant?”

“Sergeant “SergeantAloysius AloysiusCutter, Cutter,sir,” sir,”the theshort shortgentleman gentlemanreplied repliedwith withaanod, nod, “and “andpleased pleasedto toknow knowan anofficer officerwhat whathas hasaabrain brainin inhis hishead.” head.”

“Thank “Thankyou, you,Sergeant.

Sergeant.And Andfetch fetchback backasasmany manymore moremen menasasfall fallconveconveniently nientlyto tohand, hand,ififyou youplease. please.With Witharms. arms.AArifleman riflemanor ortwo, two,ififyou youcan canfind find them.” them.”

Matters Matters thus thus momentarily momentarily attended attended to, to, he he turned turned his his attention attention once once Harwood’s’ssmall smallboats boatswere wereherding herding more moreto tothe theriver, river,where wheretwo twoof ofthe theHarwood

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one oneof ofthe thefireships fireshipsaway awayfrom fromthe thetransport, transport,circling circlingititand andpushing pushingwater water with withtheir theiroars; oars;he hecaught caughtthe thesplash splashof oftheir theirefforts effortsand andthe theshouts shoutsof ofthe the sailors. sailors.

“Me “Melord?” lord?”

The Thevoice voiceatathis hiselbow elbownearly nearlymade madehim himswallow swallowhis histongue. tongue.He Heturned turned with withan anattempt attemptatatcalmness, calmness,ready readyto toreproach reproachTom Tomfor forventuring venturingout outinto into the thechaos, chaos,but butbefore beforehe hecould couldsummon summonwords, words,his hisyoung youngvalet valetstooped stoopedatat his hisfeet, feet,holding holdingsomething. something.

“I’ve “I’ve brought brought your your breeches, breeches, me me lord,” lord,” Tom Tom said, said, voice voice trembling. trembling.

“Thought “Thoughtyou youmight mightneed need’em, ’em,ififthere therewas wasfighting.” fighting.”

“Very “Verythoughtful thoughtfulof ofyou, you,Tom,” Tom,”he heassured assuredhis hisvalet, valet,fighting fightingan anurge urge to tolaugh. laugh.He Hestepped steppedinto intothe thebreeches breechesand andpulled pulledthem themup, up,tucking tuckingin inhis his shirt. shirt.“What’s “What’sbeen beenhappening happeningin inthe thecamp, camp,do doyou youknow?” know?”

He Hecould couldhear hearTom Tomswallow swallowhard. hard.

“Indians, “Indians,me melord,” lord,”Tom Tomsaid. said.“They “Theycame camescreaming screamingthrough throughthe thetents, tents, set setone oneor ortwo twoafire. afire.They Theykilled killedone oneman manIIsaw, saw,and and......and andscalped scalpedhim.” him.”

His Hisvoice voicewas wasthick, thick,asasthough thoughhe hemight mightbe beabout aboutto tovomit. vomit.“It “Itwas wasnasty.” nasty.”

“I “I daresay.” daresay.” The The night night was was warm, warm, but but Grey Grey felt felt the the hairs hairs rise rise on on arms arms and andneck. neck.The Thechilling chillingscreams screamshad hadstopped, stopped,and andwhile whilehe hecould couldstill stillhear hear considerable considerablehubbub hubbubin inthe thecamp, camp,ititwas wasof ofaadifferent differenttone tonenow: now:no noranrandom domshouting, shouting,just justthe thecalls callsof ofofficers, officers,sergeants, sergeants,and andcorporals corporalsordering ordering the themen, men,beginning beginningthe theprocess processof ofassembly, assembly,of ofcounting countingnoses nosesand andreckreckoning oningdamage. damage.

Tom, Tom, bless bless him, him, had had brought brought Grey’s Grey’s pistol, pistol, shot shot bag, bag, and and powder, powder, asas well wellasashis hiscoat coatand andstockings. stockings.Aware Awareof ofthe thedark darkforest forestand andthe thelong, long,narnarrow rowtrail trailbetween betweenthe theshore shoreand andthe thecamp, camp,Grey Greydidn’t didn’tsend sendTom Tomback backbut but merely merely told told him him to to keep keep out out of of the the way way asas Sergeant Sergeant Cutter— Cutter—who, who, with with good goodmilitary militaryinstinct, instinct,had hadalso alsotaken takentime timeto toput puthis hisbreeches breecheson— on—came came up upwith withhis hisarmed armedrecruits. recruits.

“All “All present, present, sir,” sir,” Cutter Cutter said, said, saluting. saluting. “’Oom “’Oom ’ave ’ave II the the honor honor of of h’addressing, h’addressing,sir?” sir?”

“I “Iam amLieutenantLieutenant-Colonel ColonelGrey.

Grey.Set Setyour yourmen mento towatch watchthe theship, ship,please, please, Sergeant, Sergeant,with withparticular particularattention attentionto todark darkcraft craftcoming comingdownstream, downstream,and and then thencome comeback backto toreport reportwhat whatyou youknow knowof ofmatters mattersin incamp.” camp.”

Cutter Cuttersaluted salutedand andpromptly promptlyvanished vanishedwith withaashout shoutof of“Come “Comeon, on,you you shower showero’ o’shit! shit!Look Looklively, lively,look looklively!” lively!”

Tom Tomgave gaveaabrief, brief,strangled strangledscream, scream,and andGrey Greywhirled, whirled,drawing drawinghis hisdagdagger gerby byreflex, reflex,to tofind findaadark darkshape shapedirectly directlybehind behindhim. him.

“Don’t “Don’tkill killme, me,Englishman,” Englishman,”said saidthe theIndian Indianwho whohad hadled ledthem themto tothe the Le capitaine capitaine sent sent me me to to find find camp camp earlier. earlier. He He sounded sounded mildly mildly amused. amused. ““Le you.” you.”

“Why?” “Why?” Grey Grey asked asked shortly. shortly. His His heart heart was was still still pounding pounding from from the the shock. shock.He Hedisliked dislikedbeing beingtaken takenatataadisadvantage, disadvantage,and anddisliked dislikedeven evenmore more

28 28

Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

the thethought thoughtthat thatthe theman mancould couldeasily easilyhave havekilled killedhim himbefore beforeGrey Greyknew knew he hewas wasthere. there.

“The “The Abenaki Abenaki set set your your tent tent on on fire; fire; he he supposed supposed they they might might have have dragged draggedyou youand andyour yourservant servantinto intothe theforest.” forest.”

Tom Tomuttered utteredan anextremely extremelycoarse coarseexpletive expletiveand andmade madeasasthough thoughto todive dive directly directlyinto intothe thetrees, trees,but butGrey Greystopped stoppedhim himwith withaahand handon onhis hisarm. arm.

“Stay, “Stay,Tom. Tom.ItItdoesn’t doesn’tmatter.” matter.”

“The “The bloody bloody hell hell you you say,” say,” Tom Tom replied replied heatedly, heatedly, agitation agitation depriving depriving him himof ofhis hisnormal normalmanners. manners.“I “Idaresay daresayIIcan canfind findyou youmore moresmallclothes, smallclothes, not notasasthat thatwill willbe beeasy, easy,but butwhat whatabout aboutyour yourcousin’s cousin’spainting paintingof ofher herand and the thelittle little’un ’unshe shesent sentfor forCaptain CaptainStubbs?

Stubbs?What Whatabout aboutyour yourgood goodhat hatwith with the thegold goldlace?!?” lace?!?”

Grey Greyhad hadaabrief briefmoment momentof ofalarm— alarm—his hisyoung youngcousin cousinOlivia Oliviahad hadsent sentaa miniature miniatureof ofherself herselfand andher hernewborn newbornson, son,charging chargingGrey Greyto todeliver deliverthis thisto to her herhusband, husband,Captain CaptainMalcolm MalcolmStubbs, Stubbs,presently presentlywith withWolfe’s Wolfe’stroops. troops.He He clapped clappedaahand handto tohis hisside, side,though, though,and andfelt feltwith withrelief reliefthe theoval ovalshape shapeof ofthe the miniature miniaturein inits itswrappings, wrappings,safe safein inhis hispocket. pocket.

“That’s “That’sall allright, right,Tom; Tom;I’ve I’vegot gotit. it.As Asto tothe thehat hat......we’ll we’llworry worryabout about that thatlater, later,IIthink. think.Here— Here—what whatisisyour yourname, name,sir?” sir?”he heinquired inquiredof ofthe theInIndian, dian,unwilling unwillingto toaddress addresshim himsimply simplyasas“you.” “you.”

“Manoke,” “Manoke,”said saidthe theIndian, Indian,still stillsounding soundingamused. amused.

“Quite.

“Quite.Will Willyou youtake takemy myservant servantback backto tothe thecamp?” camp?”He Hesaw sawthe thesmall, small, determined determinedfigure figureof ofSergeant SergeantCutter Cutterappear appearatatthe themouth mouthof ofthe thetrail trailand, and, firmly firmlyoverriding overridingTom’s Tom’sprotests, protests,shooed shooedhim himoff offin incare careof ofthe theIndian.

Indian.

In In the the event, event, all allfive fivefireships fireshipseither eitherdrifted driftedor orwere weresteered steeredaway away Harwood.. Something Something that that might— might—or or might might not— not—have have been been aa from from the the Harwood boarding boardingcraft craftdid didappear appearupstream upstreambut butwas wasfrightened frightenedoff offby byGrey’s Grey’simimpromptu promptutroops troopson onthe theshore, shore,firing firingvolleys— volleys—though thoughthe therange rangewas waswoewoefully fullyshort; short;there therewas wasno nopossibility possibilityof ofhitting hittinganything. anything.

Harwoodwas wassecure, secure,and andthe thecamp camphad hadsettled settledinto intoaastate stateof of Still, Still,the theHarwood uneasy uneasy watchfulness. watchfulness. Grey Grey had had seen seen Woodford Woodford briefly briefly upon upon his his return, return, near neardawn, dawn,and andlearned learnedthat thatthe theraid raidhad hadresulted resultedin inthe thedeaths deathsof oftwo twomen men and and the the capture capture of of three three more, more, dragged dragged off off into into the the forest. forest. Three Three of of the the Indian Indianraiders raidershad hadbeen beenkilled, killed,another anotherwounded— wounded—Woodford Woodfordintended intendedto to interview interviewthis thisman manbefore beforehe hedied diedbut butdoubted doubtedthat thatany anyuseful usefulinformation information would wouldresult. result.

“They “Theynever nevertalk,” talk,”he’d he’dsaid, said,rubbing rubbingatathis hissmokesmoke-reddened reddenedeyes. eyes.His His face facewas waspouchy pouchyand andgray graywith withfatigue. fatigue.“They “Theyjust justclose closetheir theireyes eyesand andstart start singing singingtheir theirdamned damneddeath deathsongs. songs.Not Notaablind blindbit bitof ofdifference differencewhat whatyou you do doto to’em— ’em—they theyjust justkeep keepon onsinging.” singing.”

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Grey Grey had had heard heard it, it, or or thought thought he he had, had, asas he he crawled crawled wearily wearily into into his his borrowed borrowed shelter shelter toward toward daybreak. daybreak. AA faint, faint, highhigh-pitched pitched chant chant that that rose rose and andfell felllike likethe therush rushof ofthe thewind windin inthe thetrees treesoverhead. overhead.ItItkept keptup upfor foraabit, bit, then thenstopped stoppedabruptly, abruptly,only onlyto toresume resumeagain, again,faint faintand andinterrupted, interrupted,asashe he teetered teeteredon onthe theedge edgeof ofsleep. sleep.

What Whatwas wasthe theman mansaying? saying?he hewondered. wondered.Did Didititmatter matterthat thatnone noneof ofthe the men men hearing hearing him him knew knew what what he he said? said? Perhaps Perhaps the the scout— scout—Manoke, Manoke, that that was washis hisname— name—was wasthere; there;perhaps perhapshe hewould wouldknow. know.

Tom Tomhad hadfound foundGrey Greyaasmall smalltent tentatatthe theend endof ofaarow. row.Probably Probablyhe hehad had ejected ejectedsome somesubaltern, subaltern,but butGrey Greywasn’t wasn’tinclined inclinedto toobject. object.ItItwas wasbarely barely big bigenough enoughfor forthe thecanvas canvasbed bedsack sackthat thatlay layon onthe theground groundand andaabox boxthat that served servedasastable, table,on onwhich whichstood stoodan anempty emptycandlestick, candlestick,but butititwas wasshelter. shelter.ItIt had hadbegun begunto torain rainlightly lightlyasashe hewalked walkedup upthe thetrail trailto tocamp, camp,and andthe therain rain was was now now pattering pattering busily busily on on the the canvas canvas overhead, overhead, raising raising aa sweet, sweet, musty musty scent. scent.IfIfthe thedeath deathsong songcontinued, continued,ititwas wasno nolonger longeraudible audibleover overthe thesound sound of ofthe therain. rain.

Grey Greyturned turnedover overonce, once,the thegrass grassstuffing stuffingof ofthe thebed bedsack sackrustling rustlingsoftly softly beneath beneathhim, him,and andfell fellatatonce onceinto intosleep. sleep.

He He woke woke abruptly, abruptly, faceface-toto-face face with with an an Indian.

Indian. His His reflexive reflexive flurry flurryof ofmovement movementwas wasmet metwith withaalow lowchuckle chuckleand andaaslight slightwithdrawal, withdrawal, rather rather than than aa knife knife across across the the throat, throat, though, though, and and he he broke broke through through the the fog fogof ofsleep sleepin intime timeto toavoid avoiddoing doingserious seriousdamage damageto tothe thescout scoutManoke.

Manoke.

“What?”

“What?”he hemuttered, muttered,and andrubbed rubbedthe theheel heelof ofhis hishand handacross acrosshis hiseyes. eyes.

Andwhy whythe thedevil devilare areyou youlying lyingon onmy mybed? bed?

“What “Whatisisit?” it?”And In In answer answer to to this, this, the the Indian Indian put put aa hand hand behind behind his his head, head, drew drew him him close, close, and and kissed kissed him. him. The The man’s man’s tongue tongue ran ran lightly lightly across across his his lower lower lip, lip, darted dartedlike likeaalizard’s lizard’sinto intohis hismouth, mouth,and andthen thenwas wasgone. gone.

So Sowas wasthe theIndian.

Indian.

He He rolled rolled over over onto onto his his back, back, blinking. blinking. AA dream. dream. ItIt was was still still raining, raining, harder hardernow. now.He Hebreathed breathedin indeeply; deeply;he hecould couldsmell smellbear beargrease, grease,of ofcourse, course, on on his his own own skin, skin, and and mint— mint—was was there there any any hint hint of of metal? metal? The The light light was was stronger— stronger—itit must must be be day; day; he he heard heard the the drummer drummer passing passing through through the the aisles aislesof oftents tentsto torouse rousethe themen, men,the therattle rattleof ofhis hissticks sticksblending blendingwith withthe the rattle rattleof ofthe therain, rain,the theshouts shoutsof ofcorporals corporalsand andsergeants— sergeants—but butstill stillfaint faintand and gray. gray. He He could could not not have have been been asleep asleep for for more more than than half half an an hour, hour, he he thought. thought.

“Christ,” “Christ,”he hemuttered, muttered,and, and,turning turninghimself himselfstiffly stifflyover, over,pulled pulledhis hiscoat coat over overhis hishead headand andsought soughtsleep sleeponce onceagain. again.

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Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

The TheHarwood tacked Harwood tackedslowly slowlyupriver, upriver,with withaasharp sharpeye eyeout outfor for French French marauders. marauders. There There were were aa few few alarms, alarms, including including another another raid raid by by hostile hostileIndians Indianswhile whilecamped campedon onshore. shore.This Thisone oneended endedmore morehappily, happily,with with four four marauders marauders killed killed and and only only one one cook cook wounded, wounded, not not seriously. seriously. They They were were obliged obliged to to loiter loiter for for aa time, time, waiting waiting for for aa cloudy cloudy night, night, in in order order to to steal stealpast pastthe thefortress fortressof ofQuebec, Quebec,menacing menacingon onits itscliffs. cliffs.They Theywere werespotspotted, ted,in infact, fact,and andone oneor ortwo twocannon cannonfired firedin intheir theirdirection, direction,but butto tono noefeffect. fect. And And atat last last came came into into port port atat Gareon, Gareon, the the site site of of General General Wolfe’s Wolfe’s headquarters. headquarters.

The The town town itself itself had had been been nearly nearly engulfed engulfed by by the the growing growing military military enencampment campment that that surrounded surrounded it, it, acres acres of of tents tents spreading spreading upward upward from from the the settlement settlement on on the the riverbank, riverbank, the the whole whole presided presided over over by by aa small small French French Catholic Catholicmission, mission,whose whosetiny tinycross crosswas wasjust justvisible visibleatatthe thetop topof ofthe thehill hillthat that lay lay behind behind the the town. town. The The French French inhabitants, inhabitants, with with the the political political indifferindifference ence of of merchants merchants everywhere, everywhere, had had given given aa Gallic Gallic shrug shrug and and set set about about happily happilyovercharging overchargingthe theoccupying occupyingforces. forces.

The Thegeneral generalhimself himselfwas waselsewhere, elsewhere,Grey Greywas wasinformed, informed,fighting fightinginland, inland, but butwould woulddoubtless doubtlessreturn returnwithin withinthe themonth. month.AAlieutenantlieutenant-colonel colonelwithwithout outbrief briefor orregimental regimentalaffiliation affiliationwas wassimply simplyaanuisance; nuisance;he hewas wasprovided provided with withsuitable suitablequarters quartersand andpolitely politelyshooed shooedaway. away.With Withno noimmediate immediateduties duties to to fulfill, fulfill, he he gave gave aa shrug shrug of of his his own own and and set set out out to to discover discover the the wherewhereabouts aboutsof ofCaptain CaptainCarruthers.

Carruthers. patronof ofthe thefirst firsttavern tavernGrey Greyvisited visited ItItwasn’t wasn’tdifficult difficultto tofind findhim. him.The Thepatron capitaine,aaroom roomin inthe thehouse houseof of directed directedhim himatatonce onceto tothe thehabitat habitatof oflelecapitaine, aa widow widow named named Lambert, Lambert, near near the the mission mission church. church. Grey Grey wondered wondered whether whetherhe hewould wouldhave havereceived receivedthe theinformation informationasasreadily readilyfrom fromany anyother other taverntavern-keeper keeper in in the the village. village. Charlie Charlie had had liked liked to to drink drink when when Grey Grey knew knew him, him, and and evidently evidently he he still still did, did, judging judging from from the the genial genial attitude attitude of of the the patron patron when when Carruthers’s Carruthers’s name name was was mentioned. mentioned. Not Not that that Grey Grey could could blame blamehim, him,under underthe thecircumstances. circumstances.

The Thewidow— widow—young, young,chestnutchestnut-haired, haired,and andquite quiteattractive— attractive—viewed viewedthe the English Englishofficer officeratather herdoor doorwith withaadeep deepsuspicion, suspicion,but butwhen whenhe hefollowed followedhis his request requestfor forCaptain CaptainCarruthers Carruthersby bymentioning mentioningthat thathe hewas wasan anold oldfriend friendof of the thecaptain’s, captain’s,her herface facerelaxed. relaxed.

“Bon,” “Bon,”she shesaid, said,swinging swingingthe thedoor dooropen openabruptly. abruptly.“He “Heneeds needsfriends.” friends.”

He He ascended ascended two two flights flights of of narrow narrow stairs stairs to to Carruthers’s Carruthers’s attic, attic, feeling feeling the the air air about about him him grow grow warmer. warmer. ItIt was was pleasant pleasant atat this this time time of of day day but but must mustgrow growstifling stiflingby bymidmid-afternoon. afternoon.He Heknocked knockedand andfelt feltaasmall smallshock shockof of pleased pleasedrecognition recognitionatathearing hearingCarruthers’s Carruthers’svoice voicebid bidhim himenter. enter.

Carruthers Carrutherswas wasseated seatedatataarickety ricketytable tablein inshirt shirtand andbreeches, breeches,writing, writing, an aninkwell inkwellmade madefrom fromaagourd gourdatatone oneelbow, elbow,aapot potof ofbeer beeratatthe theother. other.He He looked lookedatatGrey Greyblankly blanklyfor foran aninstant, instant,then thenjoy joywashed washedacross acrosshis hisfeatures, features, and andhe herose, rose,nearly nearlyupsetting upsettingboth. both.

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“John!”

“John!”

Before Before Grey Grey could could offer offer his his hand, hand, he he found found himself himself embraced— embraced—and and returned returnedthe theembrace embracewholeheartedly, wholeheartedly,aawash washof ofmemory memoryflooding floodingthrough through him himasashe hesmelled smelledCarruthers’s Carruthers’shair, hair,felt feltthe thescrape scrapeof ofhis hisunshaven unshavencheek cheek against againstGrey’s Grey’sown. own.Even Evenin inthe themidst midstof ofthis thissensation, sensation,though, though,he hefelt feltthe the slightness slightnessof ofCarruthers’s Carruthers’sbody, body,the thebones bonesthat thatpressed pressedthrough throughhis hisclothes. clothes.

“I “Inever neverthought thoughtyou’d you’dcome,” come,”Carruthers Carrutherswas wasrepeating, repeating,for forperhaps perhaps the thefourth fourthtime. time.He Helet letgo goand andstepped steppedaway awaysmiling smilingasashe hedashed dashedthe theback back of ofhis hishand handacross acrosshis hiseyes, eyes,which whichwere wereunabashedly unabashedlywet. wet.

“Well, “Well, you you have have an an electric electric eel eel to to thank thank for for my my presence,” presence,” Grey Grey told told him, him,smiling smilinghimself. himself.

“A “Awhat?” what?”Carruthers Carruthersstared staredatathim himblankly. blankly.

“Long “Longstory— story—tell tellyou youlater. later.For Forthe themoment, moment,though— though—what whatthe thedevil devil have haveyou youbeen beendoing, doing,Charlie?”

Charlie?”

The Thehappiness happinessfaded fadedsomewhat somewhatfrom fromCarruthers’s Carruthers’slean leanface facebut butdidn’t didn’t disappear disappearaltogether. altogether.

“Ah. “Ah. Well.

Well. That’s That’s aa long long story, story, too. too. Let Let me me send send Martine Martine for for more more beer.” beer.”He Hewaved wavedGrey Greytoward towardthe theroom’s room’sonly onlystool stooland andwent wentout outbefore before Grey Greycould couldprotest. protest.He Hesat, sat,gingerly, gingerly,lest lestthe thestool stoolcollapse, collapse,but butititheld heldhis his weight. weight.Besides Besidesthe thestool stooland andtable, table,the theattic atticwas wasvery veryplainly plainlyfurnished; furnished;aa narrow narrowcot, cot,aachamber chamberpot, pot,and andan anancient ancientwashstand washstandwith withan anearthenware earthenware basin basinand andewer ewercompleted completedthe theensemble. ensemble.ItItwas wasvery veryclean, clean,but butthere therewas was aa faint faint smell smell of of something something in in the the air— air—something something sweet sweet and and sickly, sickly, which which he hetraced tracedatatonce onceto toaacorked corkedbottle bottlestanding standingatatthe theback backof ofthe thewashstand. washstand.

Not Notthat thathe hehad hadneeded neededthe thesmell smellof oflaudanum; laudanum;one onelook lookatatCarruthers’s Carruthers’s gaunt gaunt face face told told him him enough. enough. He He glanced glanced atat the the papers papers Carruthers Carruthers had had been beenworking workingon. on.They Theyappeared appearedto tobe benotes notesin inpreparation preparationfor forthe thecourtcourtmartial; martial; the the one one on on top top was was an an account account of of an an expedition expedition undertaken undertaken by by troops troops under under Carruthers’s Carruthers’s command, command, on on the the orders orders of of aa Major Major Gerald Gerald Siverly.

Siverly.

Our Ourorders ordersinstructed instructedus ustotomarch marchtotoaavillage villagecalled calledBeaulieu, Beaulieu,there theretoto ransack ransack and and fire fire the the houses, houses, driving driving off off such such animals animals as as we we encounencountered. tered.This Thiswe wedid. did.Some Somemen menofofthe thevillage villageoffered offeredus usresistance, resistance,armed armed with with scythes scythes and and other other implements. implements. Two Two ofof these these were were shot, shot, the the others others fled. fled.We Wereturned returnedwith withtwo twowagons wagonsfilled filledwith withflour, flour,cheeses, cheeses,and andsmall small household householdgoods, goods,three threecows, cows,and andtwo twogood goodmules. mules.

Grey Grey got got no no further further before before the the door door opened. opened. Carruthers Carruthers came came in in and and sat saton onthe thebed, bed,nodding noddingtoward towardthe thepapers. papers.

“I “Ithought thoughtI’d I’dbest bestwrite writeeverything everythingdown. down.Just Justin incase caseIIdon’t don’tlive livelong long enough enoughfor forthe thecourtcourt-martial.” martial.”He Hespoke spokemattermatter-ofof-factly factlyand, and,seeing seeingthe the look lookon onGrey’s Grey’sface, face,smiled smiledfaintly. faintly.“Don’t “Don’tbe betroubled, troubled,John.

John.I’ve I’vealways always

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Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

known knownI’d I’dnot notmake makeold oldbones. bones.This”— This”—he heturned turnedhis hisright righthand handupward, upward, letting lettingthe thedrooping droopingcuff cuffof ofhis hisshirt shirtfall fallback— back—“isn’t “isn’tall allof ofit.” it.”He Hetapped tapped his hischest chestgently gentlywith withhis hisleft lefthand. hand.

“More “Morethan thanone onedoctor’s doctor’stold toldme meIIhave havesome somegross grossdefect defectof ofthe theheart. heart.

Don’t Don’tknow, know,quite, quite,ififIIhave havetwo twoof ofthose, those,too”— too”—he hegrinned, grinned,the thesudden, sudden, charming charmingsmile smileGrey Greyremembered rememberedso sowell— well—“or “oronly onlyhalf halfof ofone, one,or orwhat. what.

Used Usedto tobe beIIjust justwent wentfaint faintnow nowand andthen, then,but butit’s it’sgetting gettingworse. worse.SomeSometimes times II feel feel itit stop stop beating beating and and just just flutter flutter in in my my chest, chest, and and everything everything begins begins to to go go all all black black and and breathless. breathless. So So far, far, it’s it’s always always started started beating beating again— again—but butone oneof ofthese thesedays daysititisn’t isn’tgoing goingto.” to.”

Grey’s Grey’seyes eyeswere werefixed fixedon onCharlie’s Charlie’shand, hand,the thesmall smalldwarf dwarfhand handcurled curled against against its its larger larger fellow, fellow, looking looking asas though though Charlie Charlie held held aa strange strange flower flower cupped cuppedin inhis hispalm. palm.As AsGrey Greywatched, watched,both bothhands handsopened openedslowly, slowly,the thefinfingers gersmoving movingin instrangely strangelybeautiful beautifulsynchrony. synchrony.

“All “Allright,” right,”he hesaid saidquietly. quietly.“Tell “Tellme.” me.”

Failure Failure to to suppress suppress aa mutiny mutiny was was aa rare rare charge— charge—difficult difficult to to prove prove and and thus thusunlikely unlikelyto tobe bebrought, brought,unless unlessother otherfactors factorswere wereinvolved. involved.Which, Which,in in the thepresent presentinstance, instance,they theyundoubtedly undoubtedlywere. were.

“Know “KnowSiverly, Siverly,do doyou?” you?”Carruthers Carruthersasked, asked,taking takingthe thepapers papersonto ontohis his knee. knee.

“Not “Notatatall. all.IIgather gatherhe’s he’saabastard.” bastard.”Grey Greygestured gesturedatatthe thepapers. papers.“What “What kind kindof ofbastard, bastard,though?” though?”

“A “Acorrupt corruptone.” one.”Carruthers Carrutherstapped tappedthe thepages pagessquare, square,carefully carefullyevening evening the the edges, edges, eyes eyes fixed fixed on on them. them. “That— “That—what what you you read— read—itit wasn’t wasn’t Siverly.

Siverly.

It’s It’sGeneral GeneralWolfe’s Wolfe’sdirective. directive.I’m I’mnot notsure surewhether whetherthe thepoint pointisisto todeprive deprive the thefortress fortressof ofprovisions, provisions,in inhopes hopesof ofstarving starvingthem themout outeventually, eventually,or orto to put putpressure pressureon onMontcalm Montcalmto tosend sendout outtroops troopsto todefend defendthe thecountryside, countryside, where whereWolfe Wolfecould couldget getatatthem— them—possibly possiblyboth. both.But Buthe hemeans meansdeliberately deliberately to to terrorize terrorize the the settlements settlements on on both both sides sides of of the the river. river. No, No, we we did did this this under under the the general’s general’s orders.” orders.” His His face face twisted twisted aa little, little, and and he he looked looked up up suddenly suddenlyatatGrey.

Grey.“You “Youremember rememberthe theHighlands, Highlands,John?”

John?”

“You “Youknow knowthat thatIIdo.” do.”No Noone oneinvolved involvedin inCumberland’s Cumberland’scleansing cleansingof of the theHighlands Highlandswould wouldever everforget. forget.He Hehad hadseen seenmany manyScottish Scottishvillages villageslike like Beaulieu.

Beaulieu.

Carruthers Carrutherstook tookaadeep deepbreath. breath.

“Yes. “Yes.Well.

Well.The Thetrouble troublewas wasthat thatSiverly Siverlytook tookto toappropriating appropriatingthe theplunplunder derwe wetook tookfrom fromthe thecountryside— countryside—under underthe thepretext pretextof ofselling sellingititin inorder order to tomake makean anequitable equitabledistribution distributionamong amongthe thetroops.” troops.”

“What?”

“What?”This Thiswas wascontrary contraryto tothe thenormal normalcustom customof ofthe thearmy, army,whereby whereby any anysoldier soldierwas wasentitled entitledto towhat whatplunder plunderhe heseized. seized.“Who “Whodoes doeshe hethink thinkhe he is, is, an an admiral?” admiral?” The The navy navy did did divide divide shares shares of of prize prize money money among among the the crew, crew,according accordingto toformula— formula—but butthe thenavy navywas wasthe thenavy; navy;crews crewsacted actedmuch much

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

33 33

more moreasassingle singleentities entitiesthan thandid didarmy armycompanies, companies,and andthere therewere wereAdmiralty Admiralty courts courtsset setup upto todeal dealwith withthe thesale saleof ofcaptured capturedprize prizeships. ships.

Carruthers Carrutherslaughed laughedatatthe thequestion. question.

“His “Hisbrother’s brother’saacommodore. commodore.Perhaps Perhapsthat’s that’swhere wherehe hegot gotthe thenotion. notion.

At At any any rate,” rate,” he he added, added, sobering, sobering, “he “he never never did did distribute distribute the the funds. funds.

Worse— Worse—he he began began withholding withholding the the soldiers’ soldiers’ pay. pay. Paying Paying later later and and later, later, stopping stopping pay pay for for petty petty offenses, offenses, claiming claiming that that the the pay pay chest chest hadn’t hadn’t been been delivered— delivered—when when several several men men had had seen seen itit unloaded unloaded from from the the coach coach with with their theirown owneyes. eyes.

“Bad “Bad enough— enough—but but the the soldiers soldiers were were still still being being fed fed and and clothed clothed adeadequately. quately.But Butthen thenhe hewent wenttoo toofar.” far.”

Siverly Siverlybegan beganto tosteal stealfrom fromthe thecommissary, commissary,diverting divertingquantities quantitiesof ofsupsupplies pliesand andselling sellingthem themprivately. privately.

“I “Ihad hadmy mysuspicions,” suspicions,”Carruthers Carruthersexplained, explained,“but “butno noproof. proof.I’d I’dbegun begun to towatch watchhim, him,though— though—and andhe heknew knewIIwas waswatching watchinghim, him,so sohe hetrod trodcarecarefully fullyfor foraabit. bit.But Buthe hecouldn’t couldn’tresist resistthe therifles.” rifles.”

AAshipment shipmentof ofaadozen dozennew newrifles, rifles,vastly vastlysuperior superiorto tothe theordinary ordinaryBrown Brown Bess Bessmusket, musket,and andvery veryrare rarein inthe thearmy. army.

“I “I think think itit must must have have been been aa clerical clerical oversight oversight that that sent sent them them to to us us in in the the first first place. place. We We hadn’t hadn’t any any riflemen, riflemen, and and there there was was no no real real need need for for them. them.That’s That’sprobably probablywhat whatmade madeSiverly Siverlythink thinkhe hecould couldget getaway awaywith withit.” it.”

But Buthe hehadn’t. hadn’t.Two Twoprivate privatesoldiers soldiershad hadunloaded unloadedthe thebox boxand, and,curious curious atat the the weight, weight, had had opened opened it. it. Excited Excited word word had had spread— spread—and and excitement excitement had had turned turned to to disgruntled disgruntled surprise surprise when, when, instead instead of of new new rifles, rifles, muskets muskets showing showing considerable considerable wear wear were were later later distributed. distributed. The The talk— talk—already already angry— angry—had hadescalated. escalated.

“Egged “Eggedon onby byaahogshead hogsheadof ofrum rumwe weconfiscated confiscatedfrom fromaatavern tavernin inLevi,” Levi,” Carruthers Carruthers said said with with aa sigh. sigh. “They “They drank drank all all night— night—itit was was January; January; the the nights nightsare aredamned damnedlong longin inJanuary Januaryhere— here—and andmade madeup uptheir theirminds mindsto togo go and andfind findthe therifles. rifles.Which Whichthey theydid— did—under underthe thefloor floorin inSiverly’s Siverly’squarters.” quarters.”

“And “Andwhere wherewas wasSiverly?”

Siverly?”

“In “In his his quarters. quarters. He He was was rather rather badly badly used, used, I’m I’m afraid.” afraid.” AA muscle muscle by by Carruthers’s Carruthers’smouth mouthtwitched. twitched.“Escaped “Escapedthrough throughaawindow, window,though, though,and and made madehis hisway waythrough throughthe thesnow snowto tothe thenext nextgarrison. garrison.ItItwas wastwenty twentymiles. miles.

Lost Lostaacouple coupleof oftoes toesto tofrostbite frostbitebut butsurvived.” survived.”

“Too “Toobad.” bad.”

“Yes, “Yes,ititwas.” was.”The Themuscle muscletwitched twitchedagain. again.

“What “Whathappened happenedto tothe themutineers?” mutineers?”

Carruthers Carruthersblew blewout outhis hischeeks, cheeks,shaking shakinghis hishead. head.

“Deserted, “Deserted, most most of of them. them. Two Two were were caught caught and and hanged hanged pretty pretty promptly; promptly;three threemore morerounded roundedup uplater; later;they’re they’rein inprison prisonhere.” here.”

“And “Andyou— you—””

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Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

“And “And I.” I.” Carruthers Carruthers nodded. nodded. “I “I was was Siverly’s Siverly’s company company adjutant. adjutant. II didn’t didn’tknow knowabout aboutthe themutiny— mutiny—one oneof ofthe theensigns ensignsran ranto tofetch fetchme mewhen when the themen menstarted startedto tomove movetoward towardSiverly’s Siverly’squarters— quarters—but butIIdid didarrive arrivebefore before they’d they’dfinished.” finished.”

“Not “Notaagreat greatdeal dealyou youcould coulddo dounder underthose thosecircumstances, circumstances,was wasthere?” there?”

“I “Ididn’t didn’ttry,” try,”Carruthers Carrutherssaid saidbluntly. bluntly.

“I “Isee,” see,”Grey Greysaid. said.

“Do “Doyou?” you?”Carruthers Carruthersgave gavehim himaacrooked crookedsmile. smile.

“Certainly.

“Certainly. II take take itit Siverly Siverly isis still still in in the the army army and and still still holds holds aa comcommand? mand? Yes, Yes, of of course. course. He He might might have have been been furious furious enough enough to to prefer prefer the the original originalcharge chargeagainst againstyou, you,but butyou youknow knowasaswell wellasasIIdo dothat, that,under undernornormal malcircumstances, circumstances,the thematter matterwould wouldlikely likelyhave havebeen beendropped droppedasassoon soonasas the thegeneral generalfacts factswere wereknown. known.You Youinsisted insistedon onaacourtcourt-martial, martial,didn’t didn’tyou? you?

So Sothat thatyou youcan canmake makewhat whatyou youknow knowpublic.” public.”Given GivenCarruthers’s Carruthers’sstate stateof of health, health,the theknowledge knowledgethat thathe herisked riskedaalong longimprisonment imprisonmentififconvicted convictedapapparently parentlydidn’t didn’ttrouble troublehim. him.

The Thesmile smilestraightened straightenedand andbecame becamegenuine. genuine.

“I “Iknew knewIIchose chosethe theright rightman,” man,”Carruthers Carrutherssaid. said.

“I “Iam amexceedingly exceedinglyflattered,” flattered,”Grey Greysaid saiddryly. dryly.“Why “Whyme, me,though?” though?”

Carruthers Carruthershad hadlaid laidaside asidehis hispapers papersand andnow nowrocked rockedback backaalittle littleon onthe the cot, cot,hands handslinked linkedaround aroundone oneknee. knee.

“Why “Whyyou, you,John?”

John?”The Thesmile smilehad hadvanished, vanished,and andCarruthers’s Carruthers’sgray grayeyes eyes were were level level on on his. his. “You “You know know what what we we do. do. Our Our business business isis chaos, chaos, death, death, destruction. destruction.But Butyou youknow knowwhy whywe wedo doit, it,too.” too.”

“Oh? “Oh? Perhaps Perhaps you’d you’d have have the the goodness goodness to to tell tell me, me, then. then. I’ve I’ve always always wondered.” wondered.”

Humor Humorlighted lightedCharlie’s Charlie’seyes, eyes,but buthe hespoke spokeseriously. seriously.

“Someone “Someone has has to to keep keep order, order, John.

John. Soldiers Soldiers fight fight for for all all kinds kinds of of reareasons, sons,most mostof ofthem themignoble. ignoble.You Youand andyour yourbrother, brother,though— though—””He Hebroke broke off, off,shaking shakinghis hishead. head.Grey Greysaw sawthat thathis hishair hairwas wasstreaked streakedwith withgray, gray,though though he heknew knewCarruthers Carrutherswas wasno noolder olderthan thanhimself. himself.

“The “Theworld worldisischaos chaosand anddeath deathand anddestruction. destruction.But Butpeople peoplelike likeyou— you— you youdon’t don’tstand standfor forthat. that.IfIfthere thereisisany anyorder orderin inthe theworld, world,any anypeace— peace—it’s it’s because becauseof ofyou, you,John, John,and andthose thosevery veryfew fewlike likeyou.” you.”

Grey Grey felt felt he he should should say say something something but but was was atat aa loss loss asas to to what what that that might mightbe. be.Carruthers Carruthersrose roseand andcame cameto toGrey, Grey,putting puttingaahand— hand—the theleft— left—on on his hisshoulder, shoulder,the theother othergently gentlyagainst againsthis hisface. face.

“What “What isis itit the the Bible Bible says?” says?” Carruthers Carruthers said said quietly. quietly. “Blessed “Blessed are are they they who who hunger hunger and and thirst thirst for for justice, justice, for for they they shall shall be be satisfied? satisfied? II hunger, hunger, John,” John,”he hewhispered. whispered.“And “Andyou youthirst. thirst.You Youwon’t won’tfail failme.” me.”The Thefingers fingersof of Charlie’s Charlie’ssecret secretmoved movedon onhis hisskin, skin,aaplea, plea,aacaress. caress.

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35 35

The Thecustom customofofthe thearmy armyisisthat thataacourtcourt-martial martialbe bepresided presidedover overby byaa senior seniorofficer officerand andsuch suchaanumber numberofofother otherofficers officersas ashe heshall shallthink thinkfit fittoto serve serveas ascouncil, council,these thesebeing beinggenerally generallyfour fourin innumber, number,but butcan canbe bemore more but but not not generally generally less less than than three. three. The The person person accused accused shall shall have have the the right right toto call call witnesses witnesses in in his his support, support, and and the the council council shall shall question question these, these,as aswell wellas asany anyother otherpersons personswhom whomthey theymay maywish, wish,and andshall shallthus thus determine determinethe thecircumstances circumstancesand, and,ififconviction convictionensue, ensue,the thesentence sentencetoto be beimposed. imposed.

That That rather rather vague vague statement statementwas wasevidently evidentlyall allthat thatexisted existedin in terms terms of of written written definition definition and and directive directive regarding regarding the the operations operations of of courtscourts-martial— martial—or orwas wasall allthat thatHal Halhad hadturned turnedup upfor forhim himin inthe thebrief briefpeperiod riod prior prior to to his his departure. departure. There There were were no no formal formal laws laws governing governing such such courts, courts, nor nor did did the the law law of of the the land land apply apply to to them. them. In In short, short, the the army army was— was—asasalways, always,Grey Greythought— thought—aalaw lawunto untoitself. itself.

That That being being so, so, he he might might have have considerable considerable leeway leeway in in accomplishing accomplishing what whatCharlie CharlieCarruthers Carrutherswanted— wanted—or ornot, not,depending dependingupon uponthe thepersonalipersonalities tiesand andprofessional professionalalliances alliancesof ofthe theofficers officerswho whocomposed composedthe thecourt. court.ItIt would wouldbehoove behoovehim himto todiscover discoverthese thesemen menasassoon soonasaspossible. possible.

In Inthe themeantime, meantime,he hehad hadanother anothersmall smallduty dutyto todischarge. discharge.

“Tom,” “Tom,”he hecalled, called,rummaging rummagingin inhis histrunk, trunk,“have “haveyou youdiscovered discoveredCapCaptain tainStubbs’s Stubbs’sbillet?” billet?”

“Yes, “Yes,me melord. lord.And Andififyou’ll you’llgive giveover overruining ruiningyour yourshirts shirtsthere, there,I’ll I’lltell tell you.” you.”With Withaacensorious censoriouslook lookatathis hismaster, master,Tom Tomnudged nudgedhim himdeftly deftlyaside. aside.

“What “Whatyou youa-a-looking lookingfor forin inthere, there,anyway?” anyway?”

“The “Theminiature miniatureof ofmy mycousin cousinand andher herchild.” child.”Grey Greystood stoodback, back,permitpermitting tingTom Tomto tobend bendover overthe theopen openchest, chest,tenderly tenderlypatting pattingthe theabused abusedshirts shirts back back into into their their tidy tidy folds. folds. The The chest chest itself itself was was rather rather scorched, scorched, but but the the soldiers soldiers had had succeeded succeeded in in rescuing rescuing it— it—and and Grey’s Grey’s wardrobe, wardrobe, to to Tom’s Tom’s relief. relief.

“Here, “Here, me me lord.” lord.” Tom Tom withdrew withdrew the the packet packet and and handed handed itit gently gently to to Grey.

Grey.“Give “Giveme mebest bestto toCaptain CaptainStubbs.

Stubbs.Reckon Reckonhe’ll he’llbe beglad gladto toget getthat. that.

The Thelittle little’un’s ’un’sgot gotquite quitethe thelook lookof ofhim, him,don’t don’the?” he?”

ItIt took took some some time, time, even even with with Tom’s Tom’s direction, direction, to to discover discover Malcolm Malcolm Stubbs’s Stubbs’sbillet. billet.The Theaddress— address—insofar insofarasasititcould couldbe becalled calledone— one—lay layin inthe the poorer poorer section section of of the the town, town, somewhere somewhere down down aa muddy muddy lane lane that that ended ended abruptly abruptlyatatthe theriver. river.Grey Greywas wassurprised surprisedatatthis; this;Stubbs Stubbswas wasaamost mostsociable sociable sort, sort, and and aa conscientious conscientious officer. officer. Why Why was was he he not not billeted billeted atat an an inn, inn, or or aa good goodprivate privatehouse, house,near nearhis histroops? troops?

By By the the time time Grey Grey found found the the lane, lane, he he had had an an uneasy uneasy feeling; feeling; this this grew grew markedly markedlyasashe hepoked pokedhis hisway waythrough throughthe theramshackle ramshacklesheds shedsand andthe theknots knots of of filthy, filthy, polyglot polyglot children children that that broke broke from from their their play, play, brightening brightening atat the the

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novel novelsight. sight.They Theyfollowed followedhim, him,hissing hissingunintelligible unintelligiblespeculations speculationsto toone one another another but but staring staring blankly blankly atat him, him, mouths mouths open, open, when when he he asked asked after after Captain CaptainStubbs, Stubbs,pointing pointingatathis hisown ownuniform uniformby byway wayof ofillustration, illustration,with withaa questioning questioningwave waveatattheir theirsurroundings. surroundings.

He He had had made made his his way way all all the the way way down down the the lane, lane, and and his his boots boots were were caked cakedwith withmud, mud,dung, dung,and andaathick thickplastering plasteringof ofthe theleaves leavesthat thatdrifted driftedlalazily zilyfrom fromthe thegiant gianttrees, trees,before beforehe hediscovered discoveredsomeone someonewilling willingto toanswer answer him. him.This Thiswas wasan anancient ancientIndian Indiansitting sittingpeacefully peacefullyon onaarock rockatatthe theriver’s river’s edge, edge,wrapped wrappedin inaastriped stripedBritish Britishtrade tradeblanket, blanket,fishing. fishing.The Theman manspoke spokeaa mixture mixtureof ofthree threeor orfour fourlanguages, languages,only onlytwo twoof ofwhich whichGrey Greyunderstood, understood, but butthis thisbasis basisof ofunderstanding understandingwas wasadequate. adequate.

Un,deux, deux,trois, trois,in inback,” back,”the theancient ancienttold toldhim, him,pointing pointingaathumb thumbup up ““Un, the thelane, lane,then thenjerking jerkingthis thisappendage appendagesideways. sideways.Something Somethingin inan anaboriginal aboriginal tongue tongue followed, followed, in in which which Grey Grey thought thought he he detected detected aa reference reference to to aa woman— woman—doubtless doubtlessthe theowner ownerof ofthe thehouse housewhere whereStubbs Stubbswas wasbilleted. billeted.AA “le bon bon capitaine” capitaine” seemed seemed to to reinforce reinforce this this imimconcluding concluding reference reference to to “le pression, pression,and, and,thanking thankingthe thegentleman gentlemanin inboth bothFrench Frenchand andEnglish, English,Grey Grey retraced retracedhis hissteps stepsto tothe thethird thirdhouse houseup upthe thelane, lane,still stilltrailing trailingaaline lineof ofcuricurious ousurchins urchinslike likethe theragged raggedtail tailof ofaakite. kite.

No No one one answered answered his his knock, knock, but but he he went went round round the the house— house—followed followed by by the the children— children—and and discovered discovered aa small small hut hut behind behind it, it, smoke smoke coming coming from fromits itsgray graystone stonechimney. chimney.

The Theday daywas wasbeautiful, beautiful,with withaasky skythe thecolor colorof ofsapphires, sapphires,and andthe theair airwas was suffused suffusedwith withthe theripeness ripenessof oflate latesummer. summer.The Thedoor doorof ofthe thehut hutwas wasajar, ajar,to to admit admitthe thefresh freshair, air,but buthe hedid didnot notpush pushititopen. open.Instead, Instead,he hedrew drewhis hisdagdagger gerfrom fromhis hisbelt beltand andknocked knockedwith withthe thehilt— hilt—to toadmiring admiringgasps gaspsfrom fromhis his audience audience atat the the appearance appearance of of the the knife. knife. He He repressed repressed the the urge urge to to turn turn round roundand andbow bowto tothem. them.

He Heheard heardno nofootsteps footstepsfrom fromwithin, within,but butthe thedoor dooropened openedsuddenly, suddenly,rerevealing vealingaayoung youngIndian Indianwoman, woman,whose whoseface faceblazed blazedwith withjoy joyatatbeholding beholding him. him.

He He blinked, blinked, startled, startled, and and in in that that blink blink of of an an eye, eye, the the joy joy disappeared disappeared and and the the young young woman woman clutched clutched atat the the doorjamb doorjamb for for support, support, her her other other hand handfisted fistedinto intoher herchest. chest.

“Batinse!?”

“Batinse!?”she shegasped, gasped,clearly clearlyterrified. terrified.“Qu’est“Qu’est-cecequi quis’passe?” s’passe?” he replied, replied, equally equally startled. startled. “Ne “Ne vous vous inquietez inquietez pas, pas, madame. madame.

“Rien,” “Rien,” he EstEst-ceceque queCapitaine CapitaineStubbs Stubbshabite habiteici?” ici?”Don’t Don’tperturb perturbyourself, yourself,madame. madame.

Does DoesCaptain CaptainStubbs Stubbslive livehere? here?

Her Hereyes, eyes,already alreadyhuge, huge,rolled rolledback backin inher herhead, head,and andhe heseized seizedher herarm, arm, fearing fearinglest lestshe shefaint faintatathis hisfeet. feet.The Thelargest largestof ofthe theurchins urchinsfollowing followinghim him rushed rushedforward forwardand andpushed pushedthe thedoor dooropen, open,and andhe heput putan anarm armround roundthe the woman’s woman’swaist waistand andhalfhalf-dragged, dragged,halfhalf-carried carriedher herinto intothe thehouse. house.

Taking Taking this this asas invitation, invitation, the the rest rest of of the the children children crowded crowded in in behind behind

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him, him,murmuring murmuringin inwhat whatappeared appearedto tobe besympathy, sympathy,asashe helugged luggedthe theyoung young woman womanto tothe thebed bedand anddeposited depositedher herthereon. thereon.AAsmall smallgirl, girl,wearing wearinglittle little more morethan thanaapair pairof ofdrawers drawerssnugged snuggedround roundher herinsubstantial insubstantialwaist waistwith withaa piece piece of of string, string, pressed pressed in in beside beside him him and and said said something something to to the the young young woman. woman. Not Not receiving receiving an an answer, answer, the the girl girl behaved behaved asas though though she she had, had, turning turningand andracing racingout outof ofthe thedoor. door.

Grey Greyhesitated, hesitated,not notsure surewhat whatto todo. do.The Thewoman womanwas wasbreathing, breathing,though though pale, pale,and andher hereyelids eyelidsfluttered. fluttered.

“Voulez“Voulez-vous vous un un petit petit eau?” eau?” he he inquired, inquired, turning turning about about in in search search of of water. water.He Hespotted spottedaabucket bucketof ofwater waternear nearthe thehearth, hearth,but buthis hisattention attentionwas was distracted distractedby byan anobject objectpropped proppedbeside besideit: it:aacradleboard, cradleboard,with withaaswaddled swaddled infant infantbound boundto toit, it,blinking blinkinglarge, large,curious curiouseyes eyesin inhis hisdirection. direction.

He Heknew knewalready, already,of ofcourse, course,but butknelt kneltdown downbefore beforethe theinfant infantand andwagwaggled gledaatentative tentativeforefinger forefingeratatit. it.The Thebaby’s baby’seyes eyeswere werebig bigand anddark, dark,like likeits its mother’s, mother’s,and andthe theskin skinaapaler palershade shadeof ofher herown. own.The Thehair, hair,though, though,was wasnot not straight, straight,thick, thick,and andblack. black.ItItwas wasthe thecolor colorof ofcinnamon cinnamonand andexploded explodedfrom from the thechild’s child’sskull skullin inaanimbus nimbusof ofthe thesame samecurls curlsthat thatMalcolm MalcolmStubbs Stubbskept kept rigorously rigorouslyclipped clippedto tohis hisscalp scalpand andhidden hiddenbeneath beneathhis hiswig. wig. capitaine?” ?” aa peremptory peremptory voice voice demanded demanded bebe“Wha’ “Wha’ happen happen with with lele capitaine hind hindhim. him.He Heturned turnedon onhis hisheels heelsand, and,finding findingaarather ratherlarge largewoman womanloomlooming ingover overhim, him,rose roseto tohis hisfeet feetand andbowed. bowed.

Notyet, yet,itithasn’t. hasn’t.“I “Iwas was “Nothing “Nothingwhatever, whatever,madame,” madame,”he heassured assuredher. her.Not merely merelyseeking seekingCaptain CaptainStubbs Stubbsto togive givehim himaamessage.” message.”

“Oh.” “Oh.”The Thewoman— woman—French, French,but butplainly plainlythe theyounger youngerwoman’s woman’smother mother or oraunt— aunt—left leftoff offglowering gloweringatathim himand andseemed seemedto todeflate deflatesomewhat, somewhat,setsetD’un urgence, urgence, this this tling tling back back into into aa less less threatening threatening shape. shape. “Well, “Well, then. then. D’un message?” message?” She She eyed eyed him; him; clearly, clearly, other other British British officers officers were were not not in in the the habit habitof ofvisiting visitingStubbs Stubbsatathome. home.Most Mostlikely likelyStubbs Stubbshad hadan anofficial officialbillet billet elsewhere, elsewhere,where wherehe heconducted conductedhis hisregimental regimentalbusiness. business.No Nowonder wonderthey they Not yet, yet, he he thought thought he’d he’d come come to to say say that that Stubbs Stubbs was was dead dead or or injured. injured. Not added addedgrimly grimlyto tohimself. himself.

“No,” “No,”he hesaid, said,feeling feelingthe theweight weightof ofthe theminiature miniaturein inhis hispocket. pocket.“Im“Important, portant, but but not not urgent.” urgent.” He He left left then. then. None None of of the the children children followed followed him. him.

Normally, Normally, it it was was not notdifficult difficultto todiscover discoverthe thewhereabouts whereaboutsof ofaa particular particular soldier, soldier, but but Malcolm Malcolm Stubbs Stubbs seemed seemed to to have have disappeared disappeared into into thin thinair. air.Over Overthe thecourse courseof ofthe thenext nextweek, week,Grey Greycombed combedheadquarters, headquarters,the the military military encampment, encampment, and and the the village, village, but but no no trace trace of of his his disgraceful disgraceful cousincousin-byby-marriage marriagecould couldbe befound. found.Still Stillodder, odder,no noone oneappeared appearedto tohave have missed missed the the captain. captain. The The men men of of Stubbs’s Stubbs’s immediate immediate company company merely merely

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Seven SevenStones StonestotoStand Standor orFall Fall

shrugged shrugged in in confusion, confusion, and and his his superior superior officer officer had had evidently evidently gone gone off off upriver upriverto toinspect inspectthe thestate stateof ofvarious variouspostings. postings.Frustrated, Frustrated,Grey Greyretired retiredto to the theriverbank riverbankto tothink. think.

Two Twological logicalpossibilities possibilitiespresented presentedthemselves— themselves—no, no,three. three.One, One,Stubbs Stubbs had hadheard heardabout aboutGrey’s Grey’sarrival, arrival,supposed supposedthat thatGrey Greywould woulddiscover discoverexactly exactly what whathe hehad haddiscovered, discovered,and andhad hadin inconsequence consequencepanicked panickedand anddeserted. deserted.

Two, Two, he’d he’d fallen fallen afoul afoul of of someone someone in in aa tavern tavern or or back back alley, alley, been been killed, killed, and and was was presently presently decomposing decomposing quietly quietly under under aa layer layer of of leaves leaves in in the the woods. woods.Or, Or,three— three—he’d he’dbeen beensent sentsomewhere somewhereto todo dosomething, something,quietly. quietly.

Grey Greydoubted doubtedthe thefirst firstexceedingly; exceedingly;Stubbs Stubbswasn’t wasn’tprone proneto topanic, panic,and and ifif he he had had heard heard of of Grey’s Grey’s arrival, arrival, Malcolm’s Malcolm’s first first act act would would have have been been to to come come and and find find him, him, thus thus preventing preventing his his poking poking about about in in the the village village and and finding findingwhat whathe’d he’dfound. found.He Hedismissed dismissedthat thatpossibility possibilityaccordingly. accordingly.

He Hedismissed dismissedthe thesecond secondstill stillmore morepromptly. promptly.Had HadStubbs Stubbsbeen beenkilled, killed, either eitherdeliberately deliberatelyor orby byaccident, accident,the thealarm alarmwould wouldhave havebeen beenraised. raised.The The army armydid didgenerally generallyknow knowwhere whereits itssoldiers soldierswere, were,and andififthey theyweren’t weren’twhere where they theywere weremeant meantto tobe, be,steps stepswere weretaken. taken.The Thesame sameheld heldtrue truefor fordesertion. desertion.

Right, Right, then. then. IfIf Stubbs Stubbs was was gone gone and and no no one one was was looking looking for for him, him, itit naturally naturally followed followed that that the the army army had had sent sent him him to to wherever wherever he’d he’d gone. gone.

Since Sinceno noone oneseemed seemedto toknow knowwhere wherethat thatwas, was,his hismission missionwas waspresumably presumably secret. secret.And Andgiven givenWolfe’s Wolfe’scurrent currentposition positionand andpresent presentobsession, obsession,that thatalalmost mostcertainly certainlymeant meantthat thatMalcolm MalcolmStubbs Stubbshad hadgone gonedownriver, downriver,searching searching for forsome someway wayto toattack attackQuebec.

Quebec.Grey Greysighed, sighed,satisfied satisfiedwith withhis hisdeductions. deductions.

Which Which in in turn turn meant meant that— that—barring barring his his being being caught caught by by the the French, French, scalped scalpedor orabducted abductedby byhostile hostileIndians, Indians,or oreaten eatenby byaabear— bear—Stubbs Stubbswould would be beback backeventually. eventually.There Therewas wasnothing nothingto todo dobut butwait. wait.

He Heleaned leanedagainst againstaatree, tree,watching watchingaacouple coupleof offishing fishingcanoes canoesmake maketheir their way wayslowly slowlydownstream, downstream,hugging huggingthe thebank. bank.The Thesky skywas wasovercast overcastand andthe the air airlight lighton onhis hisskin, skin,aapleasant pleasantchange changefrom fromthe theday’s day’searlier earlierheat. heat.Cloudy Cloudy skies skieswere weregood goodfor forfishing; fishing;his hisfather’s father’sgamekeeper gamekeeperhad hadtold toldhim himthat. that.He He wondered wonderedwhy— why—were werethe thefish fishdazzled dazzledby bysun, sun,and andthus thussought soughtmurky murkyhidhiding ingplaces placesin inthe thedepths, depths,but butrose rosetoward towardthe thesurface surfacein indimmer dimmerlight? light?

He Hethought thoughtsuddenly suddenlyof ofthe theelectric electriceel, eel,which whichSuddfield Suddfieldhad hadtold toldhim him lived livedin inthe thesiltsilt-choked chokedwaters watersof ofthe theAmazon.

Amazon.The Thething thingdid didhave haveremarkremarkably ably small small eyes, eyes, and and its its proprietor proprietor had had opined opined that that itit was was able able to to use use its its electrical electricalabilities abilitiesin insome someway wayto todiscern, discern,asaswell wellasasto toelectrocute, electrocute,its itsprey. prey.

He Hecouldn’t couldn’thave havesaid saidwhat whatmade madehim himraise raisehis hishead headatatthat thatprecise precisemomoment, ment,but buthe helooked lookedup upto tofind findone oneof ofthe thecanoes canoeshovering hoveringin inthe theshallow shallow water wateraafew fewfeet feetfrom fromhim. him.The TheIndian Indianpaddling paddlingthe thecanoe canoegave gavehim himaabrilbrilliant liantsmile. smile.

“Englishman!”

“Englishman!”he hecalled. called.“You “Youwant wantto tofish fishwith withme?” me?”

AAsmall smalljolt joltof ofelectricity electricityran ranthrough throughhim himand andhe hestraightened straightenedup. up.MaMa-

The TheCustom Customofofthe theArmy Army

39 39

noke’s noke’seyes eyeswere werefixed fixedon onhis, his,and andhe hefelt feltin inmemory memorythe thetouch touchof oflips lipsand and tongue tongue and and the the scent scent of of freshfresh-sheared sheared copper. copper. His His heart heart was was racing— racing—go go off offin incompany companywith withan anIndian Indianhe hebarely barelyknew? knew?ItItmight mighteasily easilybe beaatrap. trap.

He Hecould couldend endup upscalped scalpedor orworse. worse.But Butelectric electriceels eelswere werenot notthe theonly onlyones ones to todiscern discernthings thingsby bymeans meansof ofaasixth sixthsense, sense,he hethought. thought.

“Yes!” “Yes!”he hecalled. called.“Meet “Meetyou youatatthe thelanding!” landing!”

Two Two weeks weeks later, later, he he stepped stepped out out of of Manoke’s Manoke’s canoe canoe onto onto the the landing, landing,thin, thin,sunburned, sunburned,cheerful, cheerful,and andstill stillin inpossession possessionof ofhis hishair. hair.Tom Tom Byrd Byrdwould wouldbe bebeside besidehimself, himself,he hereflected; reflected;he’d he’dleft leftword wordasasto towhat whathe he was was doing doing but but naturally naturally had had been been able able to to give give no no estimate estimate of of his his return. return.

Doubtless Doubtlesspoor poorTom Tomwould wouldbe bethinking thinkinghe’d he’dbeen beencaptured capturedand anddragged dragged off offinto intoslavery slaveryor orscalped, scalped,his hishair hairsold soldto tothe theFrench.

French.

In Infact, fact,they theyhad haddrifted driftedslowly slowlydownriver, downriver,pausing pausingto tofish fishwherever whereverthe the mood mood took took them, them, camping camping on on sandbars sandbars and and small small islands, islands, grilling grilling their their catch catchand andeating eatingtheir theirsupper supperin insmokesmoke-scented scentedpeace, peace,beneath beneaththe theleaves leaves of of oak oak and and alder. alder. They They had had seen seen other other craft craft now now and and then— then—not not only only cacanoes noesbut butmany manyFrench Frenchpacket packetboats boatsand andbrigs, brigs,asaswell wellasastwo twoEnglish Englishwarwarships, ships,tacking tackingslowly slowlyup upthe theriver, river,sails sailsbellying, bellying,the thedistant distantshouts shoutsof ofthe the sailors sailorsasasforeign foreignto tohim himjust justthen thenasasthe thetongues tonguesof ofthe theIroquois.

Iroquois.

And And in in the the late late summer summer dusk dusk of of the the first first day, day, Manoke Manoke had had wiped wiped his his fingers fingers after after eating, eating, stood stood up, up, casually casually untied untied his his breechclout, breechclout, and and let let itit fall. fall. Then Then waited, waited, grinning, grinning, while while Grey Grey fought fought his his way way out out of of shirt shirt and and breeches. breeches.

They’d They’d swum swum in in the the river river to to refresh refresh themselves themselves before before eating; eating; the the InIndian dian was was clean, clean, his his skin skin no no longer longer greasy. greasy. And And yet yet he he seemed seemed to to taste taste of of wild wildgame, game,the therich, rich,uneasy uneasytang tangof ofvenison. venison.Grey Greyhad hadwondered wonderedwhether whether ititwas wasthe theman’s man’srace racethat thatwas wasresponsible responsibleor oronly onlyhis hisdiet? diet?

“What “Whatdo doIItaste tastelike?” like?”he’d he’dasked, asked,out outof ofcuriosity. curiosity.

Manoke, Manoke,absorbed absorbedin inhis hisbusiness, business,had hadsaid saidsomething somethingthat thatmight mighthave have been been“cock” “cock”but butmight mightequally equallyhave havebeen beensome someexpression expressionof ofmild milddisgust, disgust, did so soGrey Greythought thoughtbetter betterof ofpursuing pursuingthis thisline lineof ofinquiry. inquiry.Besides, Besides,ififhe hedid taste tasteof ofbeef beefand andbiscuit biscuitor orYorkshire Yorkshirepudding, pudding,would wouldthe theIndian Indianrecognize recognize that? that?For Forthat thatmatter, matter,did didhe hereally reallywant wantto toknow, know,ififhe hedid? did?He Hedid didnot, not,he he decided, decided,and andthey theyenjoyed enjoyedthe therest restof ofthe theevening eveningwithout withoutbenefit benefitof ofconconversation. versation.

He Hescratched scratchedthe thesmall smallof ofhis hisback backwhere wherehis hisbreeches breechesrubbed, rubbed,uncomuncomfortable fortable with with mosquito mosquito bites bites and and the the peel peel of of fading fading sunburn. sunburn. He’d He’d tried tried the thenative nativestyle styleof ofdress, dress,seeing seeingits itsconvenience, convenience,but buthad hadscorched scorchedhis hisbum bum by by lying lying too too long long in in the the sun sun one one afternoon afternoon and and thereafter thereafter resorted resorted to to