Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

Sutherland leaves the convoy of Indiamen and runs north to the appointed rendezvous location. As her trip was favored by steady winds, she arrives before the other ships of the squadron and spends a day waiting and conducting firing drills and target practice. Caligula, commanded by Bolton, then joins Sutherland. As the senior captain, Bolton hosts Hornblower at dinner. They exchange information, discuss politics and consider military options. Hornblower is somewhat scandalized by Bolton's casual disregard for Admiral Leighton's station; Bolton refers to him as "Sir Mucho Pomposo" (p. 121). After a vast meal with much drink, Bolton decides that at least one of the ships-of-the-line should cruise the coast in search of prizes, while the other awaits Leighton. In the end, a coin flip determines that Hornblower is the lucky captain. Bolton is slightly put out by Hornblower's desire to depart...