While stranded on the shipwreck island, Maturin provides food for the crew by hunting two types of wild game—both types of pigs. Aubrey consistently refers to one of the pigs as an island gazelle. Why does he take this peculiar step?

The shipwreck island is visited by two Dyaks who seem very interested in Aubrey's silver and belongings which are displayed by Killick. Killick is pleased at their keen interest, but Maturin is nonplussed. What does Maturin fear might happen after the Dyak's have seen Aubrey's fortune in silver?

After returning to Batavia Maturin pays out several bribes in an attempt to prevent the government at Pulo Prabang from selling cannon powder to the French ship Cornélie. Aubrey finds this activity rather underhanded and refuses to take them into consideration during his strategic and tactical planning. Why does Aubrey consider Maturin's...