The battle for the Flying Dutchman rages on in the torrential rain, that clouds almost all visibility beyond a couple of feet.

So it's no surprise the rather fine sword is left unnoticedby most people. Fortunately, it is found by Gibson, a lieutenant with the East India Company who is hoping to find a position in the Royal Navy after this nightmare detail.

Gibson has always prided himself on his knowledge of sword craft, and he's distracted from the battle by this sterling piece of work. As he picks it up in both hands, he can tell the balance is perfect, and reflects that it's probably worth two of the engagement ring he just spent his last three months wages on, for Alice back in Liverpool.

It seems such a shame someone left it lying around like that.