Chapter 19 and 20 Summary

Sutherland offloads the Spanish draft animals and then patrols for three uneventful weeks with the squadron. Pluto and Caligula take station at sea and Sutherland, with her shallow draft, is sent along the French coast to examine Toulon. Hornblower and the crew enjoy the independent service; Hornblower spends the time pondering his life and remembering the sadness of losing his children to smallpox. Sutherland returns to station, but before she rejoins the squadron, she encounters the English frigate Cassandra, who is being pursued by an entire French squadron—four ships-of-the-line. Sutherland beats to quarters and shadows the French squadron. Hornblower commands Cassandra to make all possible sail, find Leighton, and bring him to the area. The next several hours are spent gaining positional advantage over the French squadron and observing their movement. The day draws to a close as Hornblower...