The captain had given them a day to repair the damage to the Neptune and to care for the wounded of both ships; now he rose from his chair and went to stand in front of them. “I’ll have full reports on the damage to the ship later, but first I want to know what disposition you’ve made of the prisoners.” “Captain,” Langley spoke up, “the privateer had over fifty prisoners on board, taken from prizes. I had them shifted to the Mary Ann. She’s got a cargo of lumber and iron products, but she can carry that many people without any problem.” “Very good. We don’t need the added burden of nursing civilians on this ship. What about the crew of the—what’s the name? Oh, The Gallant Lady.” Langley shifted uncomfortably, and there was a cloud on his face as he answered, “Well, sir, most of them were on deck when the broadside hit. Those who weren’t killed outright were pretty badly hurt.
