with military protocol and promoting a boy who has only just qualified over a man with ten years experience. And as I sit there, mentioning your name,” he said firmly, turning now to Fotherby and pointing his finger accusingly. “One of the officers, a veteran of the American wars, informs me that he will never support the rising of someone who only two days earlier insulted the honour of another veteran.”

“I believe he insulted his own honour, sir,” Fotherby whispered.

“How could you do this? Why do you think I warned you away from Mr. Portland? God knows it was not for his sake but for yours. This is what I knew would happen.” Captain Peters glared across at the younger man and continued in a voice that was so quiet that Fotherby could scarcely...

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