Chapters 3, 4, and 5 Summary

Arriving at Brentford, the Hornblowers leave the canal boat and take passage in a wherry—a larger rowed craft. The wherry transports them from Brentford, through London proper, to Deptford, where Hornblower gets his first view of Atropos, lying at anchor at Deptford Hard. As the boat moves through London, the man at the tiller attempts to engage Hornblower in conversation but gives up and spends his time pointing out the various sights to Maria, who is all agog at the splendor of the city. The oarsman makes a few deprecatory comments about London Bridge. Hornblower finds the entire passage banal but is, of course, enthralled at the eventual sight of Atropos. The Hornblowers leave the wherry and take residence at a hotel in Deptford. Hornblower barely ensures the pregnant Maria is well-situated before hauling out his uniform and departing...