Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Summary

Captain Horatio Hornblower is dispatched to quell a mutiny. After successfully capturing the mutinous ship, he learns of an opportunity to foster a local anti-Napoleon rebellion in France. He throws his strength behind the revolt and sees the thing successfully accomplished. Appointed mayor of the rebellious city, he organizes a successful aggressive defense. However, it sadly results in the death of his long-time friend and associate, Captain William Bush. Upon the fall of Napoleon, Hornblower becomes estranged from his wife Barbara. As she travels to Vienna, Hornblower travels to the French home of his old friend the Comte de Graçay. There, Hornblower recommences a sexual relationship with Marie, the Comte's widowed daughter-in-law. This awkward situation persists until Napoleon regains power, whereupon Hornblower and his compatriots become fugitives. They fight a losing guerrilla action for several weeks before they are captured...