Chapters 5, 6 and 7 Summary

Killick moves his cannon and men to an ambush site suggested by Lassan. He finds the site admirable and emplaces his ambush. His intervention is motivated by a desire to preserve his damaged ship more than his desire to help France, though his patriotic streak also requires him to fight against England. As his ambush is readied Bampfylde's Marines are landed and detailed. They then begin their long march north. The Marines are out of shape, however, and unpracticed on land. Their pace is sluggish and they fall behind schedule almost immediately. Bampfylde himself quickly tires and his feet hurt, so he further slackens the pace. As the Marines march away the longboats land Sharpe's companies. As Sharpe begins to detail his men, he is astounded and angered to see RSM Harper among them. Sharpe demands an explanation. Harper explains his...