Chapter 18 Summary

The Bellipotent spots an enemy frigate and gives chase. After the alien ship is pursued for some time, it escapes. Following this incident and when Starry Vere is not in the best mood, Claggart approaches and tells him that in the encounter with the enemy ship he has seen something that he feels he must report about one of the men on the Bellipotent. He reports that he has observed one sailor who is dangerous and appears to be organizing some of those who had been involved in the late serious troubles- mutinies.

While Vere does not entirely trust the carrier of the bad tidings, he demands to know the name of the suspect. When William Budd is named as the possible conspirator, Captain Vere is astonished. However, Claggart points out that his very popularity is being used to persuade the men to...