Hornblower and the Examination for Lieutenant Summary

Indefatigable anchors for a time in Gibraltar Bay. Pellew sends Hornblower to stand for his examination for lieutenant. If Hornblower passes the examination, his acting lieutenancy will be confirmed and official, post-dated to the day of his acting appointment. If he fails the examination he will be sent back to sea as a midshipman for at least six months. After many hours of studying and preparation, he joins about forty other midshipmen aboard the examination ship—they discuss their relative chances, noting that perhaps a dozen or so will be selected. The hours drag by slowly as Hornblower waits his turn. As each candidate completes the examination they return to the waiting room to send in the next candidate and report on their experience. Hornblower's turn finally comes and he enters the...