Chapter 10 Summary

Bowes dies from wounds received during combat after a few days of languishing, which brings the death toll to a surprisingly low four. The ship takes on water and is nearly lost before managing to limp into Calcutta. The East India Company lauds Aubrey's astounding victory and spares no expense in refitting H.M.S. Surprise with everything she requires. Meanwhile, Aubrey and the crew are treated to elaborate feasts and constant entertainment befitting heroes. Canning, as the senior representative of the Company in Calcutta, visits often with Aubrey and congratulates him on the victory. He gives Aubrey secret investment advice which will allow him to make a tidy sum in the stock market, and he places a strongbox full of gems and valuables aboard Aubrey's ship for transportation—Aubrey, of course, is entitled to a percentage of the value. Thus without...