Chapter 9 Summary

A gentle breeze keeps the ships moving at a snail's pace. The two twins take to the ship with joy and abandon, climbing the topsails and rigging like monkeys while Poll complains she is unable to teach the lass any decorum. Maturin has sailcloth britches made for both the children to satisfy decency and lets them run free. The Hamadryad is spotted and the captain, Dundas, is invited to dinner, along with Ringle's captain, Mr. Reade. Maturin speaks with Captain Dundas about Lord and Lady Keith and how they enjoy their new home. Captain Dundas takes his leave and then Maturin questions Aubrey as to why the Surprise is going so slowly. Aubrey tells Maturin that he does not want to lie in wait for several days for the Muslim galley with the gold too near where he plans to intercept the galley, nor does he want...