‘We can shift the bulkhead a good eighteen inches for’ard,’ said Jack. ‘By the bye, you will not object to the bees going ashore, just for a while?’

‘They did not go ashore for Mrs Miller. There were none of these tyrannical caprices for Mrs Miller, I believe. They are just growing used to their surroundings — they have started a queen-cell!’

‘Brother, I insist. I should send my bees ashore for you, upon my sacred honour. Now there is a great favour I must ask you. I believe I have told you how I dined with Lord Nelson?’

‘Not above two or three hundred times.’

Post Captain – Patrick O’Brian