Chapter 4 Summary

Within the tent of General Harris, officers discuss how to break McCandless out of Tippoo's dungeon. Lieutenant Lawford brings forward an idea that interests Harris, which involves Lawford playing the part of a deserting British soldier to gain access to the city and somehow from there achieve the break. His details are sketchy and the idea easily criticized by the other officers. However, when Lawford suggests that Sharpe accompany him as a fellow deserting soldier, Harris starts to warm up to the plan. Wellesley argues that the Sharpe's flogging conviction should be carried out because Lawford's plan is unworkable, and if tried, another soldier other than Sharpe should be chosen. Lawford argues why Sharpe is the best man for the job. Eventually Wellesley gives in to Lawford's idea.

Sharpe is called into the tent and the discussion turns to his value for the...