Jeremy Barnham Walker made a mistake when aged just fourteen. He killed the only son of the Earl of Alton in an unlawful duel.
He ran away to sea, ending up on the razee frigate, HBMS Hawke, eventually commanded by Captain Nicholas Turnhouse, Bloody Nick.
Showing able and strong, Jack Barnham became a master’s mate on Bloody Nick’s quarterdeck and was made lieutenant at the end of his circumnavigation.
Nearly five years after running away, he made cautious contact with his wealthy father and discovered that all had been covered up—that there had been ‘a shooting accident’.
Proud of his commission through the hawsehole, Jack remained at sea long enough to become lieutenant in command of a small gunbrig and to make a fair amount of prize money.
Further contact with his father disclosed that his elder brother was ill, soon to die, and that he has been named heir. Jack returned home to settle down and marry, leaving the sea, but he is finding respectability difficult.
