Chapter 10 Summary

Stephen writes of an occasion when he came back to Ireland after an eight-year absence and his own wet-nurse spoke to him in Irish, and he remembered nothing of the language. This strange absence of comprehension would now apply to his understanding of Jack and Dillon. Their seething petulance towards each other may ultimately result in the destruction of the crew, the ship and Stephen's priceless collection of naturalistic artifacts. As a physician, Stephen is also distressed on how he must constantly provide medications to Jack and Dillon, simply to correct for their excesses in food and drink.

Leaving Ciudadela, the Sophie surprisingly heads to Cape Salou where she will pick up a 200-ton Spanish prize. The rendezvous seemed almost providential, so perfectly timed was the capture executed. Does Jack Aubrey have some special intelligence?

After dinner, Stephen and James discuss the difference...