would not searchthe house, but immediately enlist Rogans assistance with finding aphysician to see to the wounded man. Outside in the lane, the waitingmen of the Dauntlesswere sorry to have missed the fight, but concerned about Kittrick.With an admirable sense of urgency, Rogan led them to the physicianshouse and Kittrick, bleeding heavily, was sewn and bandaged. Thedoctor felt that Kittrick should remain with him overnight forobservation and told Theo he could return for his crewman in themorning.Backat the ship, all who had been left behind had been worried that, withthe long delay, things had gone badly for the party. George waswaiting on deck alongside Jeanette, who ran to Dooley and held hishand.Georgeought to be able to hold Theos hand, Henry said sulkily. Itshardly fair that he cant.Well,its like life, then, isnt it, Henry? You cant hold my handin front of all the world, after all.Thereare places where I could, though, Im sure of it. I just need tofigure out where they are. It bothered Henry that Martin didntparticularly mind how their displays of affection were restricted,perfectly content with the status quo; whereas Henry wanted thefreedom to show everyone how undeniably they belonged together withexplicit clarity.BringingGeorge with him, Theo crossed the deck to relate what Langtree hadsaid to him in the Order house to Jeanette. Have you rememberedanything else, miss?Martinmade Jeanettes voice tremulous. Im sorry, Captain, but Ihavent remembered anything of use. I dont know what this manLangtree is talking about! She cried hot tears of frustration andDooley comforted her with an arm about her shoulders.Youllremember, he told her. Youre still tired and frightened, butIll protect you, and then youll rest and remember.Dooleyhas a lot of confidence in himself, Henry noted doubtfully.Jeanetteturned her wet face against Dooleys shirtfront and let him strokeher hair. There was an interlude of the two of them sharing coy andloving words which Henry found annoying since he knew hed begetting no such conversation between Theo and George.Theressomething I want to ask you, Martin said in a hushed Dooley voice.Something important. I know weve known each other only a shorttime, but youve become so special to me...Jeanette, would you...?Yes?Yes? Martin made her sound so eager.Wouldyou marry me, dear girl? Would you please?Yes!Oh, yes! She threw her arms around his neck and brazenly kissedhimtheir first kiss, of courseand even though Henry remainedsomewhat hostile toward Dooley, he couldnt help remembering thefirst time hed kissed Martin and feeling a little thrill onDooleys behalf.Itwas settled that they would marry the next day once Kittrick had beenretrieved and the Dauntlesswas under sail. Everyone had kind wishes for the young couple. Theoshook Dooleys hand and congratulated him on taking on a mansresponsibilities.Georgesaid, Sir, you need rest. Shall we go below decks? The men willtake care of the ship, Sir.Verywell, said Theo. We have an eventful day before us on themorrow. A wedding, George! Imagine that! And the girl might yetremember something we can use.Therewas a moments pause before Martin spoke again, this time in hisown voice. Oh, George just wants Theo to fuck him! Dont youthink hes practically begging for it after all the excitement?Being