Chapter 5 Summary

Aubrey tells Captain Vaux about the situation at Ragusa Vecchio. They decide to drop a marine contingent south of Ragusa Vecchio to take out the two shore batteries that could conceivably rain down shot upon the squadron as they close with the French frigate and her two Algerian accomplices. After landing the marines for their assignment, Surprise and Pomone sail into the harbor, where Aubrey hails the French Captain and asks him the name of his ship. The two captains call back and forth briefly, Aubrey insisting that the French ship hoist the colours of the French king and the captain refusing to the sounds of his crew yelling cheers to Napoleon. Aubrey immediately goes on the offensive though it is unclear who actually fires the first shot. One Algerian ship goes up in flames and then minutes later, it is obvious the Marines have silenced the...