Chapters 2 and 3 Summary

Surprise leaves England and, near Land's End, sights a ship believed to be a French Privateer. Surprise gives chase and closes with the ship enough that Maturin can make out one Robert Gough, a one-time friend and more-recently opponent. Maturin goes through an agony of contemplation about Gough and his certain execution if Surprise proves successful in the pursuit. He contemplates using magnets to disturb Surprise's course during the nighttime hours but does not execute his plan. Much of his introspection focuses on the history of rebellion in Ireland and his and Gough's differing opinions about politics and tactics. Surprise chases the French ship up the east coast of Ireland but eventually loses the smaller vessel. Surprise then continues around the northern coast of Ireland through the North Channel, turns around Malin Head, and sails down the west coast of Ireland...