YA - Chapter Seven - shipmates and others

[ylla]

'My impression is that of a very expensive young or youngish man, much given to high play, uncommon high play, at Crockford's and Brooks's, eager to make political acquaintance and to ask indiscreet questions, apt to suggest deep knowledge and private sources of information. He is remarkably well-introduced and although you might think he was

Comments

Ringle's use?

[esteven]

Lord Stranraer's recent dispatches have done your friend - and mine too, if I may say so - the utmost harm. Neglect of duty: leaving manoeuvres in order to chase a prize ...

So that may have been what Stranraer used Ringle for when he detained the ship more than necessary?

Re: Ringle's use?

[heather_mist]

No I don't think so - for all that Stranraer has it in for Jack (and he does), this chapter also takes pains to show that he is an entirely proper officer who does the right thing, and does it by the book. He'd had word that Stephen wanted picked up sooner than expected so had retained Ringle to go and get him, she being the only vessel with a shallow enough draught to negotiate the approach.

The fact that he almost certainly put his own despatches aboard too is just Jack's bad luck.

Re: Ringle's use?

[esteven]

He'd had word that Stephen wanted picked up sooner than expected...
You think so? I have my doubts. Ordering Jack back early to stop him from casting his vote in the inclosure business wasn't by the book either. Stephen does not believe so.

Re: Ringle's use?

[heather_mist]

That's what Mr Craddock, the admiral's secretary -a 'discreet, capable, middle aged man' (POB speak for "trustworthy for the reader too") said when Jack first goes aboard the flag on his return.

Stephen's early return is mentioned more than once and in more than one quarter (Craddock, Blaine, Stephen himself) so I think it's probably legit.

I do get the impression that Stranraer's attempt to forestall Jack's opposing the inclosure, while not entirely honourable is not regarded as being so very awful either. More in the nature of a ruse de guerre, which if the other person falls for it then that's their tough luck. Not a fair fight, but a win nevertheless. Fortunately for Jack he had a good "crew" about him at Woolcombe who smoked what was going on and didn't let him stand in to danger. Excellent teamwork!

Re: Ringle's use?

[esteven]

I do get the impression that Stranraer's attempt to forestall Jack's opposing the inclosure, while not entirely honourable is not regarded as being so very awful either.
True, but it is still not 'by the book'. It seems Stranrear uses 'the book' only when it suits him (which essentially is not so very awful either)

Three cheers for the ladies of Woolcombe!

Re: Ringle's use?

[sidlj]

No, she's right. I didn't grasp it the first time through, but when I read the section again, Stranraer was clearly acting properly to assist Stephen as requested. Stephen altered the previous planned rendezvous in order to rush his information about Diaz to London.

Re: Ringle's use?

[alltoseek]

Ringle is Jack's personal property. Stranraer wouldn't commandeer it for just any purpose. But I think he's gathered that picking up Stephen early would be one Jack would approve of ;D

Re: Ringle's use?

[sidlj]

Right! And besides, Jack asked for Ringle back for the specific purpose of picking up Stephen if Bellona wasn't ready in time, and that's exactly what Stranraer sends it to do, just on the new timeline.

Re: Ringle's use?

[esteven]

I am glad to hear it