June 13, 2025 • 19 mins
Follows the naval adventures of a British officer during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting his leadership and bravery. The series combines historical context with maritime action.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Hold our hands back the quarters at stand by this
table better one broadside, din't worry if you please, Captain
bush Light has on pocket.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
It stops ready, I thought, ready.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Presenting Michael Redgrave as he has foresters, indomitable man of
the Sea.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Horatio Hornblower.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
M It may seem upseert now that I sto forgetted
(01:55):
to return to England. But in spite of my present
years and honors, I am under no illusions as to
the fickle nature of the public, and neither was I
then whatever had occurred, since there was no gainsaying the
fact that I had lost my ship, the Subberland, in battle,
and I should be called to account for it. If
the court martial should decide that I was at fault, disgrace,
(02:18):
or even death might awake. Then my thoughts were as
somber as the gray dawn about men. As I paced
the deck of the Witch of Endor, and the coast
of France.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
Fell away over the horizon.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
At the sound of the English voice, words failed me
for a moment. At least there was no need now
to hide in the mist. On the other hand, it
brought nearer all the future which I was dreading. What
well I'd fly my colors to the last if my
(02:52):
career was to.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
End, and would end with a joke.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Is Betay mass arm flatter wit Cheland, what can harass
your harbor?
Speaker 2 (03:04):
What the what did you say?
Speaker 3 (03:11):
You much sink way Meg? The which have anged?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Always been a French prize for a year, and you've
been dead for six months. All, mister Bush, either in
under the stern of that two deck and.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Bring her to the wind under the leaf.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Ah As the boat bore mere to the Triumph's side,
and I stared at the familiar beauty of a ship
of war again, the two yellow streaks along her sides,
checkered with gun ports, the pennant of the main, the
hands on her deck.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
The red coats of the Marines.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
I heard the distant voice of a burst and roaring
of the seamen, all the familiar sights and sounds of
the navy in which I had grown up. I was
hard put to it to restrain my emotion. This was
indeed the end of my long captivity in flight. Harday
was there on deck, ensued bulk, tiring of everybody.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
I saw his expression all turn.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Cold, God, it is hormbla welcome back give me your handser.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
How did you come here, sir?
Speaker 1 (04:20):
How did you take the witch on earth?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
How did I come back from the grave?
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Is that what I wanted to ask? Oh, it's a
long story. Are you better come under my cabin hornblow?
This must be a pretty difficult time for you.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
Didn't you know?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Layton was killed? Now, Oh, don't worry about me.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
I have heard nothing for months. He died of his
wounds at you brought her. Oh, I see have you
who heard anything of my wife? Well?
Speaker 1 (04:55):
I remember reading that she was awarded a civilist pension
by the government when the news of your her death arrived.
No other news hard, there was a there was a
child on the way. Oh, none that I know of.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
But then I've been four months of this ship.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
I wouldn't hear anything. Over the horizon to Leeward was
appearing a long line of ships close hauled. They were
in rigid regular line, and as we watched, they went
about in succession, in perfect order, as if changed together.
The Channel fleet was a drill. Eighteen years of drill
(05:34):
at sea had given them unquestioned superiority over any other fleet.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
In the world.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
The pictures in the van here take my glass Shima Jimen,
her single triumph to flagship have on board Captain Horatio Hornblower.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
While HARDI dictated his message, I looked through the glass.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
A three decker with her admiral's flag of the main
was leading the long line of ships, the broad stripes
on a side glistening in the sunlight. She'd bin Jarvis's
flagship at Saint Vincent Hoods in the Mediterranean and Nelson's
at travel Guard. Now she was dismal Jimmy's tragedy. If
ever there was one signal, Hoists was sawing up her
(06:17):
yard arm. Hardy was busy dictating replies.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Had no signaling for you to go aboard. I trust
you'll do me the honor of making use of my
barge Rasio.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
The tiants barrede was painted primrose yellow, picked out with black,
and so were her oar blades. Her crew wore primrose
colored jumpers with black neck plots.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Alok my seat.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
I reflected Gloomelyn that I'd never been able to afford
to dress my barge's crew in a fancy regard. Hardy
must be a wealthy man, I supposed, with his travel
Guard prize money and his pension as colonel of Marines,
I could not help contrasting oppositions. He baron it wealthy,
famous myself poem and distinguished.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
And awaiting trial.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
Wait, Welcome aboard, Captain Honder. I'm calendar captain of the fleet.
His lordship gave instructions for you to be shown to
his Kevin.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
Will you canvas way? Thank you.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
I don't suppose you remember me, but I was first
left in it on the Amazon, when you were in
the Indefatigable. On the contrary, I remember her very well.
In fact, there was a certain boat trill at Portsmouth.
You remember that, do you well? I had only been
first for a week then, and I had to throw
him weight about somebody.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Oh, here's his lordship Kevin. Thank you?
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Will you make us so comfortable while I tell him
you're here?
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Lord Gambia's cabin was not nearly so ornate as heart
as had been. The most conspicuous item was the big
brass band Bible on the table.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
I sat down on a cushioned blocker and stared gloomily
out of the stern.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Done the next time might easily decide my whole fate.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Pardon, he said, I am the Admiral's clerk. His Lordship
will receive your report shortly in the meantime.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Well, what's such? Are hiding my hand back?
Speaker 4 (08:23):
I'm afraid, said that I have bad news for you.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
What news? Well, come along, man out with it.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
The fellow had an odd expression on his face, untilthough
I spoke up boldly enough, my heart sank. Was it
possible that my case had already been prejudged? Was I
to be arrested, tried, condemned?
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Shot?
Speaker 4 (08:41):
I remembered having seeing this paragraph in the Morning Chronicle
of three months ago. I showed it to his Lordship
and Captain Calendar, as they decided it ought to be
shown to you as early as possible.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
He's lordship say, now.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Give me the paper.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
What is the paragraph?
Speaker 4 (08:57):
I'm afraid it's very bad news, yamn blassed.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Let me see it.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
The Lord give it, sir, and the Lord take it away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
We regret to announce the death in childbirth on the
seventh of this month of Missus Mariel Hornbler Well have
led Captain Horatio Hornblower, Bonaparte's martin victim. The tragedy occurred
in Missus Hornbler's lodgings at south Sea, and we're given
to understand.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
The child a fine boys healthy.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
His lordship he instructed me, said to inform you with
his sympathy. He will not expect your report yet, and
he thought you might wish to seek the consolation of
religion in your cabin And.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Yes, the Lord give it, Sir and dear conqueror. In
the actual Battle of Roses, my lord, before I surrendered
the Southern and one hundred and seventeen of my ship's
(10:15):
company were killed and one hundred and forty five wounded.
Forty four of the latter died before I was taken
to Roses. Tragically, high proportioned Captain, good God, more than
half your crew out of action before you surrendered. If
you remember the Lord Thompson and Mediander and lost ninety
two out of the three hundred off crete. And everyone said,
what a gallant defense he made. I was aware of it.
(10:35):
Please go on, Captain Well, I told how I had
witnessed the destruction of the French squadron, how Cayard had.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Arrived to take me to Paris, and about escape.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
I made but slight mention of the Comte de Grasse
and voyage down the Loire. I went into some detail
about the capture of the Witch of Endor, as I
pointed out a knowledge of harbor arrangements at not and
the navigation difficulties of the lower Lois might be great
future value. Good god man, how can you be there
cold blooded about it when you been calender? I have
(11:06):
requested you before not to allude of the deity and
that Destmaer's fashion. Any repetition will incur my serious displeasure.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
No, let me see that cutter will be useful.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
As she couldn't carry the dispatches, and I should not
have to weaken the main body of the fleet. Mister
tenant of yours Bush, I'll promote him into harvest Commander.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
I gave a gasp of pleasure.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Promotion to commander meant almost certain post rank within the air.
Bush deserved it, of course, but admirals usually had some favorite,
some neview or old friend's son awaiting the first vacancy.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
But that was by no means all.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
Promotion of my lieutenant to commander was a high compliment
to me.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
It set the seal of official approval on my actions.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
This decision of Cambier's was a public announcement that I
had acted correctly.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
H thankable dang.
Speaker 1 (11:57):
I hope you will continue to be my guest till
I sail for part the next week. It would be
best I think.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
Less for Lord, thank you, but however delicate the illusion.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
I knew that the last remark was a reminder of
my position that I was technically under arrest. I allD
established customer. I must be under the supervision of an
officer of equal rank, while under the rest there could
be no question of being sent home in the witch
of endor, come in, boss, boss, by all, that's wont
(12:37):
for coming in and now said, yeah, let me take
those pussles. By heaven, it's it's good to see her
honest old face again.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Look, have a drinker? Have you been getting on? What
have we been doing? Did you? Easy?
Speaker 1 (12:51):
I'll tell you about it, sir. Because of all, this
is the first chance I've had to thank you for
my promotion.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
So don't thank me. You must thank Lord Gambia.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
I know I owe it to all the same. They're
going to post me as captain this week.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
Ah.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
They won't give me a ship, not with this wooden
leck of mind. But there's a job at Sheerness waiting
for me. I'd never have been a captain but for
user Arabic. Well, how I fine? Thanks you, Oh I was.
I was sorry to hear about missus Hornblowers. I took
the liberty of bringing out your letters. I thank The
(13:26):
big package is a sword, I'm sure.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Oh well, let's open. Don't see well, oh pussy, I
never expected to see this again.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
I know that ghost scabbard anywhere, Sir. It's the hundred
guineas sword. But the Patriotic Fund gave you for your
defeat of the Dibidad in the Pacific. Yes, you should
see the newspapers. Your famous, so you ought to be.
And there's plenty more news. What news, but there's a
witch of indoors? What about the navy body? Yesterday the
prize court. All thousand pounds was the price, sir. I
(14:04):
was greatly impressed by the tact with which Bush allowed
me to assimilate Alwa. I would not have expected such
delicacy from the tough old campaigner, but I was already
beginning to realize that I still had much to learn
about people. The first dozen letters were from people unknown
to me, but all congratulatory two were from madman, apparently,
(14:24):
and till more from Peers. Then I saw a letter
in a hand which was known to me, and my
heart constricted as I stared at the envelope. It was
from Lady Barbara Bush on the ship from Portsmouth, and
all the present world spun and vanished to the sight
(14:44):
of the letter.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
I was not reading.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
I was listening again to that dear modulated voice which
I had not heard for so many, many weary months.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
It is hard for me to write this letter. So
overwhelmed am I with pleasure and surprise at hearing that
you are free and well. I hasten to let you
know that I have your son here in.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
My care, A son Barbler has him O God bless her.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
When he was left orphaned, I ventured to take charge
of him and make myself responsible for his upbringing, while
my brothers, Lords Wellesley and Wellington consented to act as
his godfather's at his baptism whereat he was consequently given
the names of Richard Arthur.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Horatio, Richard Arthur, Horachiel and Weldesley and Wellington behind him.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
Not the boy's fortune's already made.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Richard is a fine, healthy boy with a wonderful resemblance
to his father, and he has already greatly endeared himself
to me. Let me assure you that I shall look
upon it as a pleasure to continue to have charge
of Richard until the time comes for you to take
him away. I can easily guess that you will be
much occupied with affairs on your arrival in England, but
(16:08):
you will be very welcome should you care to call
here to see your son, who grows in intelligence every day.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
Up to this moment I had hardly thought about the child.
My paternal instincts had not been touched by a child
I had never seen. Besides, they were warped by memories
of the little Horatio who had died of smallpox in
my arms so many years ago. But now I felt
a sudden wave of affection for the unknown little chap
who had managed to endear himself to Barbara in London.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
Why had Barbara taken him?
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Was it because, widowed and childless, she had thought for
a convenient orphan to adopt him. Was it that she
still cherished memories of a Captain Hornblower, whom, at the
time she believed to be dead. Time stood still while
I stared at the letter and wondered Bush was saying something.
(17:09):
I tore myself back to the present with an effort
Shorry to interrupt sair. They questioned me at Whitehall, and
now I thought you ought to know, But they calling
me an evidence.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Of the uh.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
The court martial, sir, the court martial. But a few
wonderful moments I had forgotten that threat hanging over.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
My life, the court martial.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
If that were to go against me, not all the
sons or lords and ladies in Christendom.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Could help me. It was more than my life at stake.
It was my reputation, my honor, my whole future.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Ratio Hornblower, starring Michael Redgrave, is based on the novels
by C. S. Forester. Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torch,
produced by Harry Allen Towers,
Hold our hands back the quarters at stand by this
table better one broadside, din't worry if you please, Captain
bush Light has on pocket.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
It stops ready, I thought, ready.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Presenting Michael Redgrave as he has foresters, indomitable man of
the Sea.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Horatio Hornblower.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
M It may seem upseert now that I sto forgetted
(01:55):
to return to England. But in spite of my present
years and honors, I am under no illusions as to
the fickle nature of the public, and neither was I
then whatever had occurred, since there was no gainsaying the
fact that I had lost my ship, the Subberland, in battle,
and I should be called to account for it. If
the court martial should decide that I was at fault, disgrace,
(02:18):
or even death might awake. Then my thoughts were as
somber as the gray dawn about men. As I paced
the deck of the Witch of Endor, and the coast
of France.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
Fell away over the horizon.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
At the sound of the English voice, words failed me
for a moment. At least there was no need now
to hide in the mist. On the other hand, it
brought nearer all the future which I was dreading. What
well I'd fly my colors to the last if my
(02:52):
career was to.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
End, and would end with a joke.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Is Betay mass arm flatter wit Cheland, what can harass
your harbor?
Speaker 2 (03:04):
What the what did you say?
Speaker 3 (03:11):
You much sink way Meg? The which have anged?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Always been a French prize for a year, and you've
been dead for six months. All, mister Bush, either in
under the stern of that two deck and.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Bring her to the wind under the leaf.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Ah As the boat bore mere to the Triumph's side,
and I stared at the familiar beauty of a ship
of war again, the two yellow streaks along her sides,
checkered with gun ports, the pennant of the main, the
hands on her deck.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
The red coats of the Marines.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
I heard the distant voice of a burst and roaring
of the seamen, all the familiar sights and sounds of
the navy in which I had grown up. I was
hard put to it to restrain my emotion. This was
indeed the end of my long captivity in flight. Harday
was there on deck, ensued bulk, tiring of everybody.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
I saw his expression all turn.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Cold, God, it is hormbla welcome back give me your handser.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
How did you come here, sir?
Speaker 1 (04:20):
How did you take the witch on earth?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
How did I come back from the grave?
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Is that what I wanted to ask? Oh, it's a
long story. Are you better come under my cabin hornblow?
This must be a pretty difficult time for you.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
Didn't you know?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Layton was killed? Now, Oh, don't worry about me.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
I have heard nothing for months. He died of his
wounds at you brought her. Oh, I see have you
who heard anything of my wife? Well?
Speaker 1 (04:55):
I remember reading that she was awarded a civilist pension
by the government when the news of your her death arrived.
No other news hard, there was a there was a
child on the way. Oh, none that I know of.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
But then I've been four months of this ship.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
I wouldn't hear anything. Over the horizon to Leeward was
appearing a long line of ships close hauled. They were
in rigid regular line, and as we watched, they went
about in succession, in perfect order, as if changed together.
The Channel fleet was a drill. Eighteen years of drill
(05:34):
at sea had given them unquestioned superiority over any other fleet.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
In the world.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
The pictures in the van here take my glass Shima Jimen,
her single triumph to flagship have on board Captain Horatio Hornblower.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
While HARDI dictated his message, I looked through the glass.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
A three decker with her admiral's flag of the main
was leading the long line of ships, the broad stripes
on a side glistening in the sunlight. She'd bin Jarvis's
flagship at Saint Vincent Hoods in the Mediterranean and Nelson's
at travel Guard. Now she was dismal Jimmy's tragedy. If
ever there was one signal, Hoists was sawing up her
(06:17):
yard arm. Hardy was busy dictating replies.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Had no signaling for you to go aboard. I trust
you'll do me the honor of making use of my
barge Rasio.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
The tiants barrede was painted primrose yellow, picked out with black,
and so were her oar blades. Her crew wore primrose
colored jumpers with black neck plots.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Alok my seat.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
I reflected Gloomelyn that I'd never been able to afford
to dress my barge's crew in a fancy regard. Hardy
must be a wealthy man, I supposed, with his travel
Guard prize money and his pension as colonel of Marines,
I could not help contrasting oppositions. He baron it wealthy,
famous myself poem and distinguished.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
And awaiting trial.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
Wait, Welcome aboard, Captain Honder. I'm calendar captain of the fleet.
His lordship gave instructions for you to be shown to
his Kevin.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
Will you canvas way? Thank you.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
I don't suppose you remember me, but I was first
left in it on the Amazon, when you were in
the Indefatigable. On the contrary, I remember her very well.
In fact, there was a certain boat trill at Portsmouth.
You remember that, do you well? I had only been
first for a week then, and I had to throw
him weight about somebody.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Oh, here's his lordship Kevin. Thank you?
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Will you make us so comfortable while I tell him
you're here?
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Lord Gambia's cabin was not nearly so ornate as heart
as had been. The most conspicuous item was the big
brass band Bible on the table.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
I sat down on a cushioned blocker and stared gloomily
out of the stern.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Done the next time might easily decide my whole fate.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Pardon, he said, I am the Admiral's clerk. His Lordship
will receive your report shortly in the meantime.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Well, what's such? Are hiding my hand back?
Speaker 4 (08:23):
I'm afraid, said that I have bad news for you.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
What news? Well, come along, man out with it.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
The fellow had an odd expression on his face, untilthough
I spoke up boldly enough, my heart sank. Was it
possible that my case had already been prejudged? Was I
to be arrested, tried, condemned?
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Shot?
Speaker 4 (08:41):
I remembered having seeing this paragraph in the Morning Chronicle
of three months ago. I showed it to his Lordship
and Captain Calendar, as they decided it ought to be
shown to you as early as possible.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
He's lordship say, now.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Give me the paper.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
What is the paragraph?
Speaker 4 (08:57):
I'm afraid it's very bad news, yamn blassed.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Let me see it.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
The Lord give it, sir, and the Lord take it away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
We regret to announce the death in childbirth on the
seventh of this month of Missus Mariel Hornbler Well have
led Captain Horatio Hornblower, Bonaparte's martin victim. The tragedy occurred
in Missus Hornbler's lodgings at south Sea, and we're given
to understand.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
The child a fine boys healthy.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
His lordship he instructed me, said to inform you with
his sympathy. He will not expect your report yet, and
he thought you might wish to seek the consolation of
religion in your cabin And.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Yes, the Lord give it, Sir and dear conqueror. In
the actual Battle of Roses, my lord, before I surrendered
the Southern and one hundred and seventeen of my ship's
(10:15):
company were killed and one hundred and forty five wounded.
Forty four of the latter died before I was taken
to Roses. Tragically, high proportioned Captain, good God, more than
half your crew out of action before you surrendered. If
you remember the Lord Thompson and Mediander and lost ninety
two out of the three hundred off crete. And everyone said,
what a gallant defense he made. I was aware of it.
(10:35):
Please go on, Captain Well, I told how I had
witnessed the destruction of the French squadron, how Cayard had.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Arrived to take me to Paris, and about escape.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
I made but slight mention of the Comte de Grasse
and voyage down the Loire. I went into some detail
about the capture of the Witch of Endor, as I
pointed out a knowledge of harbor arrangements at not and
the navigation difficulties of the lower Lois might be great
future value. Good god man, how can you be there
cold blooded about it when you been calender? I have
(11:06):
requested you before not to allude of the deity and
that Destmaer's fashion. Any repetition will incur my serious displeasure.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
No, let me see that cutter will be useful.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
As she couldn't carry the dispatches, and I should not
have to weaken the main body of the fleet. Mister
tenant of yours Bush, I'll promote him into harvest Commander.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
I gave a gasp of pleasure.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Promotion to commander meant almost certain post rank within the air.
Bush deserved it, of course, but admirals usually had some favorite,
some neview or old friend's son awaiting the first vacancy.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
But that was by no means all.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
Promotion of my lieutenant to commander was a high compliment
to me.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
It set the seal of official approval on my actions.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
This decision of Cambier's was a public announcement that I
had acted correctly.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
H thankable dang.
Speaker 1 (11:57):
I hope you will continue to be my guest till
I sail for part the next week. It would be
best I think.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
Less for Lord, thank you, but however delicate the illusion.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
I knew that the last remark was a reminder of
my position that I was technically under arrest. I allD
established customer. I must be under the supervision of an
officer of equal rank, while under the rest there could
be no question of being sent home in the witch
of endor, come in, boss, boss, by all, that's wont
(12:37):
for coming in and now said, yeah, let me take
those pussles. By heaven, it's it's good to see her
honest old face again.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Look, have a drinker? Have you been getting on? What
have we been doing? Did you? Easy?
Speaker 1 (12:51):
I'll tell you about it, sir. Because of all, this
is the first chance I've had to thank you for
my promotion.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
So don't thank me. You must thank Lord Gambia.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
I know I owe it to all the same. They're
going to post me as captain this week.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
Ah.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
They won't give me a ship, not with this wooden
leck of mind. But there's a job at Sheerness waiting
for me. I'd never have been a captain but for
user Arabic. Well, how I fine? Thanks you, Oh I was.
I was sorry to hear about missus Hornblowers. I took
the liberty of bringing out your letters. I thank The
(13:26):
big package is a sword, I'm sure.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Oh well, let's open. Don't see well, oh pussy, I
never expected to see this again.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
I know that ghost scabbard anywhere, Sir. It's the hundred
guineas sword. But the Patriotic Fund gave you for your
defeat of the Dibidad in the Pacific. Yes, you should
see the newspapers. Your famous, so you ought to be.
And there's plenty more news. What news, but there's a
witch of indoors? What about the navy body? Yesterday the
prize court. All thousand pounds was the price, sir. I
(14:04):
was greatly impressed by the tact with which Bush allowed
me to assimilate Alwa. I would not have expected such
delicacy from the tough old campaigner, but I was already
beginning to realize that I still had much to learn
about people. The first dozen letters were from people unknown
to me, but all congratulatory two were from madman, apparently,
(14:24):
and till more from Peers. Then I saw a letter
in a hand which was known to me, and my
heart constricted as I stared at the envelope. It was
from Lady Barbara Bush on the ship from Portsmouth, and
all the present world spun and vanished to the sight
(14:44):
of the letter.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
I was not reading.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
I was listening again to that dear modulated voice which
I had not heard for so many, many weary months.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
It is hard for me to write this letter. So
overwhelmed am I with pleasure and surprise at hearing that
you are free and well. I hasten to let you
know that I have your son here in.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
My care, A son Barbler has him O God bless her.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
When he was left orphaned, I ventured to take charge
of him and make myself responsible for his upbringing, while
my brothers, Lords Wellesley and Wellington consented to act as
his godfather's at his baptism whereat he was consequently given
the names of Richard Arthur.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Horatio, Richard Arthur, Horachiel and Weldesley and Wellington behind him.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
Not the boy's fortune's already made.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Richard is a fine, healthy boy with a wonderful resemblance
to his father, and he has already greatly endeared himself
to me. Let me assure you that I shall look
upon it as a pleasure to continue to have charge
of Richard until the time comes for you to take
him away. I can easily guess that you will be
much occupied with affairs on your arrival in England, but
(16:08):
you will be very welcome should you care to call
here to see your son, who grows in intelligence every day.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
Up to this moment I had hardly thought about the child.
My paternal instincts had not been touched by a child
I had never seen. Besides, they were warped by memories
of the little Horatio who had died of smallpox in
my arms so many years ago. But now I felt
a sudden wave of affection for the unknown little chap
who had managed to endear himself to Barbara in London.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
Why had Barbara taken him?
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Was it because, widowed and childless, she had thought for
a convenient orphan to adopt him. Was it that she
still cherished memories of a Captain Hornblower, whom, at the
time she believed to be dead. Time stood still while
I stared at the letter and wondered Bush was saying something.
(17:09):
I tore myself back to the present with an effort
Shorry to interrupt sair. They questioned me at Whitehall, and
now I thought you ought to know, But they calling
me an evidence.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Of the uh.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
The court martial, sir, the court martial. But a few
wonderful moments I had forgotten that threat hanging over.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
My life, the court martial.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
If that were to go against me, not all the
sons or lords and ladies in Christendom.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Could help me. It was more than my life at stake.
It was my reputation, my honor, my whole future.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Ratio Hornblower, starring Michael Redgrave, is based on the novels
by C. S. Forester. Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torch,
produced by Harry Allen Towers,
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