Chapter 3: Kate Summary

As Matt prepares a trolley of food for the Topkapi stateroom, chief steward Mr. Lisbon tells him the Captain wants to see him. Matt takes a breath, calming himself before knocking, and enters. The Captain tells him to sit, and Matt knows he will not be getting good news. He tells him that although he'd given his promise that the next promotion was his, he unfortunately has no choice in the matter, and must take on as junior sailmaker Otto Lunardi's (the owner's) son. The Captain offers to transfer Matt to another vessel if he can find one with an opening, but Matt declines, preferring to stay on the ship where his father had worked. The Captain promises Matt he will not break his word a second time. The ship's tour is due to go and Matt arrives to find only...