Chapters 18 and 19 Summary

Hornblower attends his court martial. The proceeding is fairly brief and straightforward, and he is quickly and honorably acquitted. Hornblower meets Hookham Frere, a government agent. Frere maneuvers him to a waiting coach and spirits him away to London; Hornblower insists on a short stop to visit the church where Maria is buried. Hornblower soon discerns that Frere is a political figure, and that the government intends to use Hornblower's popularity to make political hay. On the way, crowds line the roads and cheer for Hornblower as a returning hero. Hornblower is first interviewed by the Prime Minister and then moves on under Frere's watchful eye to a meeting with the under secretary of state. Finally, he is introduced to His Royal Highness. Hornblower is then surprised to be knighted Sir Horatio Hornblower, Knight of the Bath; he is surprised and...