by Griff Hosker
“The regiment?”
“I will send a message to Colonel Fenton that you have been sent as a military attaché to Malta.” He began scribbling and we remained seated, “Well what are you waiting for? I have done with you. You know where my house is.” He scribbled a note. “Here, give this to my man. I’ll be along shortly.”
We took a carriage from Horse Guards to Piccadilly. We could have walked but I suspected I would need as much rest as possible before we were off on another wild jaunt.
This was the third or fourth time I had been to the colonel’s town house and I was recognised. I would not have needed the note but it was easier this way. “I’ll draw you gentlemen a bath each.” I saw Sharp colour. He was just a sergeant and he found it hard to be treated with such deference. I suspected that Colonel Selkirk chose his servants as carefully as he did everything else.
I enjoyed being pampered. While we bathed, the colonel’s man cleaned our clothes and brought refreshments to our rooms. As I wandered around the impressive house I reflected that the colonel must have money. I knew how much a colonel was paid and it would not pay for this. Sipping my wine I realised that I now had enough money to pay for such a dwelling and servants. The family import business was doing well and my half share in the ship which Captain Dinsdale sailed for me was more than profitable. When I had finished with this sort of adventure and when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated then I might think about such things.
The colonel arrived home late and he brought a great deal of papers and material with him. He waved us into his dining room. It was already laid for dinner. He waved his arms at his servants looking like a demented windmill! “We have no time to sit and eat, just put the food on the side there and we’ll help ourselves. And bring up a couple of decent bottles of wine too.”
He laid out maps on one half of the table and documents on the other. He rubbed his hands together, “Now then. Those documents contain all the information you will need. That is intelligence which we want them to have.” He grinned wolfishly, “Some of it is true, some might be true and some are downright lies. I spent all afternoon writing it. You have to learn all that… tonight!” My heart sank. “Now the two of you will have to study these maps and commit them to memory too. You can’t be caught with them in your possession; at least not until you have spoken to Marshal Bessières.”
I looked up, “Marshal? I thought he was a general?”
“The Emperor is rewarding those who have helped him.” He laughed, “Had you stayed there Robbie who knows? You might have become a marshal yourself. Anyway that is by the by. Let us get on with the maps.”
The food and the wine were brought in and consumed as the colonel gave us as much information as he could. Sergeant Sharp was a bright lad and I saw him taking in the routes we would have to take.
“Now we can’t send a ship in for you this time as we have no idea how long it will take you to get the job done. Consequently you will have to make your own way home.” Sergeant Sharp’s face was a picture. “Still you are both resourceful chaps. Now read that information, Robbie, while I test your sergeant here.”
The colonel fired question after question at Alan until he was sure that he knew the maps inside out and back to front. In that time I managed to absorb the names and the information I was to give to the French. I had a slight idea which facts were true for I had heard them myself but the lies and half truths were beyond me. I would have to treat them all as though I believed them.
Eventually he seemed satisfied. He poured the last glasses of wine and then told us how we would be getting to our destination. He handed me a money belt. “This contains gold Louis. You have used them before and should be familiar with them. Upstairs are two sets of clothes for you. You will recognise them. We will be leaving at first light and meeting Lieutenant Commander Teer at Greenwich.” I smiled; he was a friend and, more than that, he was reliable. “I thought you would appreciate that. He will try to get you as far up the Rhine as possible. With the short days we are having at the moment that should be perfect. I take it you have your pistols?”
“Yes sir, they are in our valise.”
“Well they are French and that will help.” He pointed to my sword, “And that thing is Austrian so it should aid your disguise.”
I looked at the maps and the papers. “You have planned well in a short space of time sir but I am not sure that we can do anything that will change the course of events.”
“You don’t have to. Planting this false intelligence and discovering what Bonaparte is about might just make the difference. This Emperor is a clever chap and he is the one calling the shots and making things happen. This is our only chance to regain the initiative. If he makes his plans on false information then he might make a mistake. More importantly you can get close to the plans and find out what he is up to. If we know where is going to attack then we might be able to do something about it. “
His face softened, “But please try to get back in one piece eh boy? I am getting to enjoy our meetings. I should hate for them to stop because you are dead.”
Chapter 2
We left the Thames just after dawn. It was a foggy day. It felt dank and damp. We both had greatcoats but we were still cold. Jonathan had us wait in his cabin until we passed the Isle of Dogs. There was little likelihood of us being spotted by French agents but it paid to be careful. The ‘Black Prince’ had done this sort of thing before.
After we had left the estuary we joined him. He smiled boyishly. “Another adventure eh Robbie? My crew still talk about our little rescue from the beach. It brightened up their lives.”
“But no prize money.”
“No, one can’t have everything.” His face became serious. “You know I cannot return for you this time.”
“I know. We shall have to make our own way out.”
“You will not be able to do as you once did and use the Channel ports. They have your description there.”
“How do you know?”
“We captured a couple of ships and their captains told us. There is a reward for two men of your description. It is another reason why I am happier about dropping you up the Rhine; even though it is more dangerous for us. It will be easier for you. Anyway you are welcome to stay on deck but I am afraid that we will all be a little busy.” He pointed to our valise. “I am keeping that on deck in case you have to make a sudden exit. I have four men detailed to get you ashore as quickly as we can. We may not have the luxury of time when you leave us.”
As the afternoon drifted to night the cook brought us hot cocoa laced with rum and a sticky meaty stew. We were experienced campaigners now and knew that you ate when you could for you knew not when your next meal might arrive. The ‘Black Prince’ sailed towards the Rhine under the barest of sail. We appeared to be moving quite slowly. The Second Mate explained that the reason was to slip in unseen. “It’s the sails that they see. With just bare sticks and hardly moving we are near invisible as it is possible to be.
Sergeant Sharp and I stood well away from the sailors and tried not to get in their way. I spoke to him because I was a little nervous and I wanted him to be sure of our plans. “The first thing we shall do is to get some horses. I want to get as far to the east as I can. Remember that you are still an American.”
We had used this idea before. I would be the Frenchman returning from America with an American servant. Sharp had practised an American accent and he was now much better than he had been. Playing him as someone who was dumb had proved too hard for him. His French was a little better and he could ask questions when necessary. The problem was when someone answered him; he could not always keep up with the speed of their response.
“Captain says to stop talking now, sirs. We are in the Rhine.”
I now noticed that the motion of the ship felt different and that it was dark and foggy. I heard the splash from the bows as the sailor threw the lead. I saw that the guns were all loaded and crewed although they were not, as yet, run
out. We were in the Batavian Republic. They might resent the French presence but this was still the French Empire we were travelling through. The river seemed as wide as a sea to me although I remembered the Texel when I was a young Chasseur. There the river had been so wide that we had captured a whole fleet of Dutchmen. I felt sorry for Jonathan. He had to worry about enemy soldiers, enemy ships, a shelving bottom and being able to turn his ship around. All we had to worry about was getting off the ship.
The Second Mate came for us. He whispered, “Captain needs to speak with you.”
As we walked across the quarter deck I was aware that we were slowly swinging. He was turning. Had we reached our destination? “Sorry about this Robbie.” He pointed to the east of us. I could just make out some vessels on the river. “If I am not mistaken then they are the French invasion barges. I can’t go any further along the river. We will have to let you off here.” He paused, “Or I could take you back to London.”
I smiled, “No, here will be fine. If this is the French Army then we are in the perfect spot and I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble on my account.”
“No, trouble, dear boy, no trouble at all.” He pointed to our cases, “Mister Roberts get these two gentlemen in the boat eh. There’s a good fellow.”
I shook hands with Jonathan. “Thanks for everything.”
“You must tell me how this one turns out when you get back.”
As we climbed down the tumblehome I wondered if we would actually get back. Mister Roberts, the Second Mate, steered. He gestured with a gnarled finger, “We will head to the north shore sirs. There’s a landing jetty there and I think it is empty at the moment. Me and the lads will stop talking. If you need anything use hand signals.” He paused, “And good luck sir. You are a mad bugger but I guess it takes mad buggers to win this war. I should know I serve with one.”
There was genuine affection in his voice as he spoke of his captain. Despite his youth I knew that his men thought the world of him and would do anything for him.
He had been correct. The jetty was empty although how he had known where it was I could not fathom. The fog was thicker than ever and seemed to hang a few feet above the river. It suited us. We gently bumped into the wooden pontoon jetty which rose and fell with the tide. Sharp leapt out and I passed him the cases. I nodded to the Second Mate as I clambered out of the dingy. I was careful not to trip over my sword. A sudden splash might bring more attention than just the mockery of sailors. By the time I had turned around the dingy was just a shadow edging back into the murk and the mist.
I could hear voices ahead of us but their owners were hidden by the fog. They were not speaking French. Sharp carried our cases and I walked ahead of him. We had to appear as though we had been seeking shelter for the night. This was always the most difficult time. Once we had been here for a day or so we would know how the land lay. We would have a better idea of where we were and we would not be the subject of intense scrutiny. I know that whoever we met would be suspicious of us, arriving after dark and with no apparent means of transport. I knew that Sharp would go along with any story I concocted. However I could not begin my fabrication until I had met someone and gauged their questions. Poor Sharp would not understand a word that was spoken. It must have been doubly worrying for him.
I discerned a lightening of the fog which suggested buildings and the noise increased in volume. We were close to people. The stones beneath our feet became smoother and, suddenly, I almost tripped over a step. I swore in French and then stomped up the steps to the building before us.
There were a number of sailors seated at the lamp lit tables but also a few uniforms. As we stepped into the light the murmur of conversation ceased and all eyes were upon us. “Damned robbing sailors!”
One of the uniforms, a policeman of some type stood and spoke. Although he spoke French it was heavily accented. “You have been robbed sir?”
“As good as. I paid the captain of a cargo ship to bring me from Dunkirk to Arnhem and he drops me here. No offence but this looks like the middle of nowhere to me and not Arnhem.”
They all laughed at my obvious discomfort. “I am sorry sir, you have been robbed. What was the ship called?” He took a notepad out and a pencil.
“The Marguerite or something like that. Captain Dwass was his name.”
They all fell about laughing. I knew some Dutch having served here with the Chasseurs and Dwass was Dutch for soft headed. The policeman put away his notepad. “I do not think we will find this man. He has taken you for a ride.” He and his friends all thought that this joke was hilarious. “How much did you pay him?”
“A Gold Louis each for me and my servant here.”
It was getting better and better for them. I had paid far too much and I had been robbed. To them I was an empty headed fool and therefore harmless. I had concocted the story to appear a harmless and gullible fool. They would be less suspicious of me and equally keen to rob me.
“There is a hotel here with rooms and tomorrow there are many barges which can take you along the river or you might accompany the soldiers here. They are transporting cannon up the river.”
I pretended not to hear the part about the cannon. “Well as I shan’t be able to get there tonight I will use the rooms.” I smiled at the policeman. “Thank you for your help, officer. What is your name? I shall tell Marshal Bessières of your assistance when I next see him.”
Suddenly all humour left the room as I dropped the name of the Emperor’s right hand man into the conversation. The soldiers suddenly looked sheepish.
“Klaus Winklemann sir and that is not a problem. If you will come along with me I shall introduce you to the owner of the hotel.” He tapped the side of his nose. “He is a friend of mine.”
I doubted that. It was more than likely that he would receive back handers from the hotel for bringing customers whom they could cheat. I had used the accent of my father. It was haughty, high pitched and arrogant. It marked me as someone from the upper classes; these people would enjoy rooking a noble, and a foreign one at that. I played on that by sniffing disdainfully at everything and running my finger down the furniture to find imaginary dirt.
The owner smiled ingratiatingly. “I am sure I have a fine room for you and an adjoining one for your servant.” He shrugged apologetically. “It will not be cheap, sir.”
“Just so long it is clean and presentable. Is there any chance of some edible food?”
If he took umbrage at my criticism he did not show it. “Of course sir, I will have a table made ready for you. First let me show you to your room.”
The room was barely adequate and for the character I was playing it just would not do. I looked incredulously around the tiny interior. “Is this, really, the best you have?” He nodded. I leaned in to him, “You know we have an Emperor now? The days of austerity are gone. You need to invest in your property, sir, for when the Emperor has conquered the rest of Europe we will all be rich and you will have a much better clientele coming through your doors.” I stood and looked around again, “It will have to do I suppose but do not expect to charge me a fortune for this hovel!”
“I am sure you will be happy with the price sir.”
Once we were alone, Sharp checked that the adjacent rooms were empty and no-one was within earshot. Although he would have picked up most of what we said I needed him to be clear about my story. I quickly gave him the gist of it.
“So do you reckon we will go by barge or by an army vessel?”
“I am not sure. Both have their advantages. At least this way it saves us hiring horses.” Horses were good for travelling but they tended to be noticed when you reached your destination. A boat would be the focus of interest and not the passengers.
The food, when we ate it, was simple enough fare. The wine was acceptable. I think the owner had actually made an effort. The dining room also had many uniforms within it. This time it was the officers. They were artillerymen and engineers. That was as I had expected. Caval
ry men would not want their horses on barges; it upset them. The barges would make light work of transporting heavy objects such as cannon and siege equipment. Bessières knew his trade.
I noticed a couple of officers paying close attention to us. I kept glancing at them surreptitiously in case I knew them but I did not. I had changed a great deal since I had been a lean and young Chasseur. I had filled out considerably. After a while I smiled at them and raised my glass. When they had finished their meal they wandered over. One of them fixed me with his gaze, “I understand that you know Marshal Bessières.” I gave a slight nod of the head. “May I ask how?”
I drank some of my wine and said, arrogantly, “Not that it is any of your business but I did him some small services in Italy and Egypt.”
“You are a soldier then?”
I spread my arms, “Do I look like a soldier? I am a businessman and I have just returned from America on… well I will keep that business to myself.” I picked up my knife and fork. “Now if this interrogation is over I will get back to what passes for my dinner.”
The younger of the two looked angry but his older companion looked thoughtful. “I am sorry if we have caused you offence but you must know that there are English spies and saboteurs operating along the Channel coast. Last year they destroyed some valuable ordnance. We were just being careful.”
“As was I. Which is the reason I travelled so far north. I have no wish to be murdered by an English spy.”
“Very sensible. Now to make up for our rudeness, we understand you are trying to get to Arnhem…”
I held up my hand. “I hoped to get to Arnhem but I was heading for Marshal Bessières’ headquarters. If he is the same man as he was he will be at the vanguard of this mighty army.”
He smiled, “And he has not changed. We are heading for his headquarters tomorrow in one of the barges. I would be honoured if you could accompany us.”
I was not sure if this was as a guest or a prisoner but I had now chosen these cards to play and I would have to play them. “That is most kind Major…?”
