Chapter Two Summary

Ponto greeted Captain Aubrey excitedly every time they met in the market and followed him dutifully following his rescue. On one such occasion, Captain Aubrey was near the shop of a glass merchant, whose wares were shattered by Ponto's tail wagging. This new found loyalty caused citizens to gossip about the nature of Captain Aubrey and Mrs. Fields' friendship. Before long the officers and local workers all assumed that the two were having an affair.

Captain Aubrey requested that his crew report to the shipyard for inspection. Many of his best men were being hired by other captains with more imminent voyages while his ships sat in disrepair. He feared he might have no crew left at all by the time the ships were ready to sail. Those that appeared for roll call were not very impressive. Although none were completely...